Commuters using southbound Howe Avenue to board westbound US 50 will again be subject to ramp metering beginning Monday. The ramp meters will be activated weekdays from 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. The meters had been de-activated due to technical difficulties during construction. Those issues have now been resolved.

   Ramp metering allows vehicles to safely merge with freeway traffic. It also helps reduce traffic congestion. Vehicles carrying two or more persons will be allowed to use a special carpool lane on the ramp which allows them to bypass the ramp meter signals when they are activated.

The latest on 7th Street ...

   7th Street Between H and I Streets - This closure, which was originally scheduled to begin Monday, November 29, is now scheduled to begin Friday evening, December 3 (after commute hours). The closure will remain in place until the evening of December 20. Pedestrian access will be maintained on both sides of 7th Street. Deliveries to the County Administration building will be directed to the new loading zone on I Street (just before 7th Street).

   7th & I Street Intersection - Crews will be installing the 48" sewer line through this intersection beginning Monday, November 29 until Friday, December 3. This work will be done under lane closures. The following schedule has been set for lane closures on I Street:

• 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. = 2 lanes open to traffic
• 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. (commute hours) = 3 lanes open to traffic
• 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. = 1 lane open to traffic
• 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. = 2 lanes open to traffic

Ride, Glide and Shop

   Regional Transit and Westfield Shoppingtown are teaming up to give you one more thing to do on Sundays of this holiday season. If you take RT to the Westfield Holiday Ice Rink, just show your valid RT ticket, transfer or monthly pass and receive a free skate rental and a coupon for a holiday gift. The promotion continues through January 16. Gift coupons can be redeemed at the Downtown Plaza concierge desk.

   For route, schedule and fare information, visit www.sacrt.com or call 916-321-BUSS (2877). For more information on the Westfield Holiday Ice Rink visit www.downtownsac.org or call 916-442-2500.