Caltrans Worker Hit And Killed Along I-80 Near Vacaville

SOLANO COUNTY (CBS13) – A Caltrans employee was hit and killed along Interstate 80 near Vacaville on Friday morning.

The incident happened just after 10 a.m. A spokesperson with CHP - Golden Gate Disivion says the person was hit along the westbound side of the freeway, near the Cherry Glen Road onramp.

After the incident, authorities say the driver took off but was later taken into custody.

Caltrans spokesperson Will Arnold confirmed to CBS13 that the victim was a Caltrans worker.

51-year-old Quanda McGadney was identified as the worker who was killed, a state worker who had served the people of California for 18 years and joined Caltrans in 2018.

A SigAlert was issued for westbound I-80 west of Lagoon Valley Road with lanes 3 and 4 being blocked. The lanes reopened around 3:30 p.m.

There have been 189 employees killed while on the job along California roadways since 1921, Caltrans says.

Back in July 2021, a contract Caltrans employee was struck and killed along Highway 99 in Sacramento.

McGadney is survived by her 9-year-old daughter, Nairobi, and her two sisters, Priscilla Stevenson and Candice McGadney.

"The loss of one of our own public servants in this tragic incident is being felt heavily within the Caltrans family today. Our thoughts and heartfelt support are focused on her family, friends and colleagues at this time," said Caltrans Acting Director Steven Keck.

Governor Gavin Newsom also issued a statement regarding the tragic incident, saying, "Jennifer and I were saddened to learn of the death of Caltrans Maintenance Worker Quanda McGadney, a dedicated public servant to the state for more than 18 years. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and Caltrans colleagues for their loss."

To help Quanda's family through this difficult time, a memorial fund is being established through the California Transportation Foundation.