Blue Line Service Disruptions

Station Platform Construction at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and City College Stations

Beginning Monday, July 27 through Saturday, August 15, 2026, Blue Line light rail service will be temporarily suspended between Broadway Station and Fruitridge Station to allow crews to complete major station platform upgrades at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and City College stations. These improvements are necessary to prepare the Blue Line for the launch of SacRT’s new Siemens S700 low-floor trains in 2027.

Monday, July 27

No train service at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and City College stations

Trains will pass through but will not stop at the stations

If you need to access 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren or City College stations, use bus bridge shuttles at Broadway Station (north) or Fruitridge Station (south)

Tuesday, July 28 – Saturday, August 15

Bus bridge on the Blue Line between Broadway and Fruitridge stations

Note: light rail service will continue to operate from Broadway Station (north) toward Watt/I-80 Station, and from Fruitridge Station (south) toward Cosumnes River College (CRC) Station

Note: Each Saturday night at 6 p.m. through Sunday night, trains will pass through the stations, but not stop. If riders don’t need to board or exit at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren or City College stations, they can stay on the train. If they do need to use those stations, the shuttle bus service is available.

Sunday, August 16

4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and City College stations reopen for normal train service

To support riders, a bus bridge (shuttle bus) will operate between Broadway Station and Fruitridge Station throughout the construction window. Shuttle buses will operate during all hours that trains normally operate, with frequent intervals and staffed assistance at key transfer stations to serve all impacted stations.

Construction Timeline and School Impacts

With the earlier return to school for Sacramento City Unified School District with classes beginning on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the construction period may overlap for up to four days. SacRT recognizes that this temporary shutdown may affect students, particularly those who use 4th Avenue/Wayne Hultgren Station to reach McClatchy High School; however, the temporary shutdown needs to occur during favorable weather months (hot weather cures concrete faster) so as to not extend the disruption period, which could happen during inclement weather.

Originally, the schedule required a three‑week disruption during the first weeks of school, but SacRT worked with the contractor to shorten the school impact to just four days (August 11–15). This adjustment significantly reduces the inconvenience to students who rely on the 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station to reach McClatchy High School.

Here is how SacRT is supporting students and other riders:

Bus bridge service will operate during SacRT light rail service hours

Additional staff will be stationed at Broadway, Fruitridge, and nearby stops to help students and other riders transfer smoothly

SacRT has proactively reached out to SCUSD, McClatchy High School, and other nearby schools to share customized service plans

Information will be posted across school channels to help students and families plan ahead

Construction is scheduled to finish on Saturday, August 15, before the start of the Sacramento City College semester.

How to Use the Bus Bridge

Traveling north from Cosumnes River College Station:

Train service is available between Cosumnes River College and Fruitridge stations.
Exit the train at Fruitridge Station and board the shuttle bus traveling toward Broadway Station. The bus will stop at City College, 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren and Broadway stations. To continue heading north, board light rail at Broadway Station to head toward Watt/I-80 Station.

Traveling south from Watt/I-80 Station:

Train service is available between Watt/I-80 and Broadway stations.
Exit the train at Broadway Station and board the shuttle bus traveling toward Fruitridge Station. The bus will stop at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren, City College and Fruitridge stations. To continue heading south, board light rail at Fruitridge Station to head toward Cosumnes River College Station.

Note: Each Saturday night at 6 p.m. through Sunday night, trains will pass through the stations, but not stop. If riders don’t need to board or exit at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren or City College stations, they can stay on the train. If they do need to use those stations, the shuttle bus service is available.

Shuttle Bus Times

Shuttle bus operate every 20 – 30 minutes.

*Bus bridge will end at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 and regular light rail service will resume.

Weekdays

First bus at Broadway Station: 4:19 a.m.

Last bus at Broadway Station: 11.23 p.m.

First bus at Fruitridge Station: 5:14 a.m.

Last bus at Fruitridge Station: 12:14 a.m.

Saturdays

First bus at Broadway Station: 4:53 a.m.

Last bus at Broadway Station: 11:23 p.m.

First bus at Fruitridge Station: 5:44 a.m.

Last bus at Fruitridge Station: 12:14 a.m.

Sundays

First bus at Broadway Station: 5:23 a.m.

Last bus at Broadway Station: 9:23 p.m.

First bus at Fruitridge Station: 6:14 a.m.

Last bus at Fruitridge Station: 10:14 p.m.

Saturday, August 15*

First bus at Broadway Station: 4:53 a.m.

Last bus at Broadway Station: 7:08 p.m.

First bus at Fruitridge Station: 5:44 a.m.

Last bus at Fruitridge Station: 7:14 p.m.

Bus Bridge Locations

Broadway Station Shuttle Bus Stop

Travel toward Watt/I-80: Light rail service available headed inbound

Travel toward CRC: Stop on westbound Broadway at bus route 51 bus stop in front of station

4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station Shuttle Bus Stop

Travel toward Watt/I-80: Stop at northbound Freeport at the bus route 62 bus stop in front of the station

Travel toward CRC: Stop at southbound Freeport Blvd just past Vallejo Way

City College Station Shuttle Bus Stop

Travel toward Watt/I-80: Stop at bus loop at station

Travel toward CRC: Stop at bus loop at station

Fruitridge Station Shuttle Bus Stop

Travel toward Watt/I-80: Stop on westbound Fruitridge at bus stop across from station

Travel toward CRC: Light rail service available headed outbound

Important Information for Students Who Use 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station

Getting to McClatchy High School (Morning Trips)

Take the Blue Line train to Broadway Station (coming from the north) or Fruitridge Station (coming from the south).

Board the shuttle bus (bus bridge) at either station.

Remain on the shuttle bus until 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station, where students can exit and walk to school as usual.

Returning Home (Afternoon Trips)

Board the shuttle bus at 4th Ave/Wayne Hultgren Station heading toward either Broadway or Fruitridge Station.

At Broadway or Fruitridge, transfer back to Blue Line light rail to continue north or south.

Why the Blue Line Needs This Construction Work

SacRT is raising station platforms by eight inches along the Blue Line so they meet the height requirements for the new low-floor trains. These upgrades will make boarding significantly easier for all riders, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with strollers, and passengers using mobility devices. This work requires temporarily shutting down the track segment so crews have safe access to the platform areas. Unlike many Gold Line stations, Blue Line stations are bordered by active Union Pacific Railroad tracks or nearby buildings, leaving no space to safely stage heavy equipment while trains continue operating. As a result, this work can only be completed when trains are not in service.

Why Closures Are Short and Targeted

Even with the complexity of Blue Line construction, SacRT is using one of the fastest turnaround schedules in the transit industry:

Multiple stations completed within 15 to 21 day construction windows

Shorter closures than those used by comparable agencies

In contrast, when Los Angeles Metro modernized its Blue Line, the system experienced nine months of closures across two segments

SacRT deliberately designed the construction schedule to minimize long-term disruptions while completing the required upgrades quickly and safely.

Light Rail Modernization Project

SacRT’s light rail system first opened in 1987 and is now aging, with train cars reaching the end of their useful life and stations in need of upgrades. This modernization project will improve accessibility and reliability for all riders. Historically, ADA access was limited to the front train car, requiring most passengers to climb stairs to board. The modernization will allow boarding from any car for riders of all abilities.

Progress so far: All stations along the Gold Line have been modified to support two-car low-floor trains, and in 2026, additional work will begin to prepare for future three-car train operations on the Gold Line. On the Blue Line, four stations have been completed, and the remaining fifteen stations are scheduled for upgrades.

SacRT understands that these temporary light rail closures can be frustrating for riders. We recognize the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience as we modernize the system to support the new Siemens S700 low‑floor trains. These upgrades will make the system significantly more accessible, reliable, and safer for decades to come.

During each closure, SacRT operates robust bus bridges to keep riders connected. Shuttle buses run during all hours that light rail normally operates, staffed with personnel at key stations to assist with wayfinding and transfers. While buses help riders move through the construction zone, they operate in mixed traffic and carry fewer passengers than trains, which may increase travel time. Riders are encouraged to allow extra time when closures are in effect.

Blue Line construction is more complex than earlier Gold Line work. All Blue Line stations must be upgraded for future three‑car trains, which requires substantially more demolition and reconstruction. Many Blue Line stations also have limited construction access due to adjacent Union Pacific Railroad tracks and surrounding buildings. Because contractors cannot safely stage equipment while trains are running, certain work can only be completed when rail service is temporarily paused.

Even with these challenges, SacRT is using one of the fastest construction schedules in the industry. Multiple stations are upgraded within single 15‑ to 21‑day windows—far shorter than major shutdowns used by other transit systems. For example, Los Angeles Metro’s Blue Line modernization required closures lasting up to nine months. SacRT intentionally designed its schedule to avoid long-term disruptions and minimize impacts to riders.

Safety Reminder

Many station platforms have been raised eight inches to meet the height requirements of the new low-floor trains. Riders are reminded to watch their step when traveling through stations and to cross at the ends of platforms rather than in the middle for safety.

Thank you for your patience as we work to make the system more accessible, reliable, and ready for the future.

Stay Informed

Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the Blue Line to provide a more accessible, reliable, and modern transit experience. For real-time updates, download the free Alert SacRT app or visit sacrt.com/alerts.

The AlertSacRT app is an essential tool for Sacramento transit users, offering real-time rider alerts and a discreet, effective way to report safety and security concerns directly to Regional Transit Police Services (RTPS). Users can send anonymous messages, including text, photos, or six-second videos, to report suspicious activities.

By downloading AlertSacRT, passengers not only stay updated on service disruptions but also play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and security of the transit system.