Project Fact Sheet
Purpose: The purpose of the project is to improve traffic operations, reduce congestion, and enhance traffic safety within freeway-to-freeway interchanges on State Route 180 between State Routes 41 and 168.
Need: Traffic congestion and higher than average accident rates on this segment of State Route 180 between State Routes 41 and 168 constitute the need for this project.
Description: The proposed project would construct new braided branch connections between State Routes 41, 180, and 168 to improve traffic operations, reduce congestion, and enhance traffic safety within freeway-to-freeway interchanges. Along the proposed new branch connections, two new separate structures would be constructed and the existing First Street undercrossing would be widened. Also, the Cedar Avenue on-ramp to westbound State Route 180 would be widened to two lanes in order to accommodate a ramp-metering system. Ramp-metering is also proposed on westbound State Route 180 to the southbound State Route 41 branch connection. The existing drainage system within the project limits would also be modified. All work is within the existing state right-of-way.
Project Cost: The Build Alternative is estimated to cost $49 million
Funding Source: The proposed project was programmed in the 2010 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) cycle and is included in the Measure C local sales tax program administered by the Fresno County Transportation Authority.
Project Timeline: The environmental process was completed September 1, 2010. The project design and construction phases will be completed using the design-build process. It is anticipated the project will begin construction in the Summer 2011. It will take approximately two years to complete the construction phase.
Questions? For more information, please contact Neil Bretz, Project Manager, at 559-243-3465, or by email at Neil_Bretz@dot.ca.gov.
For environmental questions, please contact G. William “Trais” Norris III, Senior Environmental Planner, at 559-243-8178, or by email at Trais_Norris@dot.ca.gov.
To view the project website, please visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist6/environmental/projects/sr180braidedramps/