Yolo Bypass
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The 25,500 acre (103 km²) Yolo Bypass is a flood bypass that protects Sacramento and other California Central Valley communities from flooding. Weirs connect the bypass to the Sacramento River as well as to Cache Creek. Sacramento experienced several severe floods prior to its construction. During wet years, it can be completely full of water. The main input to the bypass is through the Fremont Weir. The Sacramento Weir can also be opened to protect the Sacramento River's channel as it passes Sacramento and West Sacramento.
The Yolo Bypass contains the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area and was the largest public/private restoration project west of the Florida Everglades. It forms a valuable wetland during many months. In the summer, the bypass is used for agriculture.
The bypass separates the cities of Sacramento, California (specifically West Sacramento, California) from Davis, California. It is crossed by the Yolo Causeway, a long highway bridge on Interstate 80. Interstate 5 also crosses the bypass on a long causeway.
