FAIRFIELD — Ongoing upgrades to the Interstate 80/Interstate 680/Highway 12 interchange is viewed as a critical element to improving the traffic flow and the flow of freight through the area.
It is a project that is linked closely to the county’s economic future, but it is not the only project local officials are trumpeting.
Waterways, railways and highways have all played a role as transportation has evolved over the years in Solano County.
All three of those methods of transportation remain an option for county residents to get around, whether traveling for work or pleasure.
The bulk of travel is by motor vehicle, with many commuters traveling west to the Bay Area or east to Sacramento on Interstate 80, which slices through the middle of the county.
It is its role as a freight corridor that adds its economic power.
Several routes branch off I-80 in Solano County to the north and south, including Interstate 680, Interstate 780, Interstate 505, Highway 12, Highway 37 and Highway 113.
The railroad, which was a part of the county’s heritage, continues to serve an important role for transportation in the county.
Suisun City is a regular stop for Capitol Corridor trains that run between Auburn and San Jose. Work is underway on a new Fairfield-Vacaville train station that will be located on Peabody Road.
Waterways, which played such a key part in the development of several cities in Solano County, provide an additional option to commuters in the county.
The Vallejo Baylink Ferry has commute runs from the Vallejo waterfront to San Francisco. Work is also underway on another ferry stop in Vallejo across the Mare Island Strait from the present terminal, on Mare Island.
An increased focus, meanwhile, has been placed on bicycle and pedestrian routes within the county for those who prefer to walk or pedal their way around.
Air transportation is also growing in Solano County, with Icon Aircraft set to begin manufacturing its sport plane at the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville. A second airport in Solano County is located in Rio Vista.
Solano County transportation options
Here is where to go to get information on getting around Solano County and the region:
- Fairfield-Suisun Transit System: www.fasttransit.org or 422-2877
- Bay Area Rapid Transit: www.bart.gov or 510-465-2278 (Fairfield and Vallejo buses and Capitol Corridor trains connect with BART stations)
- SolTrans (Benicia and Vallejo bus service): www.soltransride.com or 648-4046
- Vallejo Baylink Ferry: www.baylinkferry.com or 877-643-3779
- Dixon Readi-Ride: www.ci.dixon.ca.us/237/Readi-Ride or 678-5020
- Vacaville City Coach Transit: www.citycoach.com or 449-6000
- Rio Vista Delta Breeze: http://riovistacity.com/delta-breeze-transit-system or 374-2878
- Nut Tree Airport, Vacaville: www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/genserv/nta/default.asp or 469-4600
- Rio Vista Airport: http://riovistacity.com/airport or 374-2176
- Capitol Corridor Trains: www.capitolcorridor.org or 877-974-3322
- Solano-Napa Commuter Information: www.commuterinfo.net or 800-535-6883
- Napa Vine Transit: www.ridethevine.com/vine or 251-2800
