Sacramento needs to calm down about the impending Carmageddon

Soon, Sacramento will find itself in the throes of a full-scale Carmageddon.

At least that's what commuters are bracing for on the eve of the Highway 50 lane closures scheduled for April 22 through June 25.

The purpose: Caltrans will reinforce and repair sections of the W/X Viaduct stretch that runs through downtown. Built in 1968, the concrete decks that skirt above the edge of Midtown and downtown are plagued by extensive cracking, according to Caltrans officials. In addition to repairs, other “rehabilitation” fixes will include new concrete barriers and railings, and improved, energy-efficient lighting standards.

The work—at least three lanes on the eastbound portion of the freeway will be closed from April 22, through May 21, with three westbound lanes scheduled to follow from May 27, through June 25—will impact all nearby traffic, not just the W/X portion.

That's right, Interstate 5, Business 80 and probably most of the nearby main traffic arteries, will teem with cars—the thought of which has sent many drivers into a panic about traffic jams and painfully extended commutes.

I understand the freak-out. I live near the heart of the scheduled repairs. But while I'm sure my neighborhood streets will look mighty ugly, it's time for everyone (me included) to just calm down already.

The fixes are scheduled to last approximately two months—a minor inconvenience, sure, but it's also an opportunity to build healthier, more environmentally friendly commuting habits.

Carpool. Take the bus or light rail. Or, better yet, enjoy the mild spring weather and hop on your bike or take a hike.

Maybe Carmagedddon's not such a bad thing, after all.