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SACRAMENTO –

Commuters along eastbound Interstate 80 in Sacramento are adjusting to the “Across the Top” project, which involves adding new carpool lanes between the Sacramento River and Watt Avenue.

Over the next two years, drivers will notice new lane configurations during construction. The eastbound changes went into effect over the weekend.

Shortly after eastbound drivers pass the El Camino exit, they see a bright orange sign reading, “Through Traffic No Local Access Next Seven Miles” with an arrow directing through traffic to merge left into two express lanes.

Those travelers who do not need to exit the freeway along the construction zone should merge left into the express lanes that have no exits for seven miles. Those who do need to get off the freeway at Truxel, Northgate or any other exit before Longview, will need to stay to the right. A cement barrier separates the express lanes from the right exit lane.

FOX40 found some slow traffic through the impacted area during the peak of the Tuesday evening commute. But it kept moving.

The eastbound construction is scheduled to last about a year, followed by a year of westbound construction along the same corridor.

The project is designed to improve travel time and air quality when completed, according to Caltrans.