SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – Caltrans announced plans to expedite construction work on the State Route 99 Merced Pavement Rehabilitation Project through the City of Merced. The project, which began in the winter of 2021, is critical to repair the wear-and-tear that has created significant cracking, potholes, and other roadway damage over the years to this highly traveled state route.
Beginning on Monday, November 27, 2023, Caltrans will expand the nightly work hours from the current 9:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. schedule, to a 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. twelve-hour schedule. To meet the needs of the community and motorists traveling through the region, Caltrans is expanding nightly work to remove the left tunnel lane and finish the project earlier than projected in Spring 2024.
The State Route 99 Merced Pavement Rehabilitation Project has experienced delays due to pandemic related material shortages and last winter’s extreme weather conditions. Caltrans began the final phase of the project in November, which included the re-opening of all on and off-ramps during the day.
Upon completion, the rehabilitation project will ultimately improve the safety and ride quality for motorists and extend the life of Highway 99 through the City of Merced for up to 40 years. Motorists, passengers, truckers and commuters will notice a more comfortable ride after new concrete is installed to repair aging, damaged roadway along this busy corridor. This work will reduce the need for constant maintenance which would be more time-consuming and expensive.
Caltrans appreciates the patience and concerns of motorists traveling this route and the surrounding community. In response Caltrans has implemented control measures to increase traveler safety which include:
- Increased signage and public messaging to notify motorists of the upcoming traffic split and to reduce speed to a maximum of 45 MPH.
- Installation of rumble strips to slow traffic, glare screens to reduce nighttime headlight disturbance, and improved temporary striping.
- Increased CHP presence to enforce the lower speed limit and the restriction of trucks in the left lane.
Caltrans appreciates the difficulty of navigating the construction zone and wants to emphasize to all motorists that at the end of the day our roadways are only as safe as the travelers who use them. To help increase driver awareness for the State Route 99 Merced Pavement Rehabilitation Project, Caltrans has produced the following traffic safety video:
Caltrans encourages drivers to pay close attention to roadway signage, adhere to the posted 45mph speed limit, keep a safe distance between the vehicle in front of you, and eliminate all distractions that may prevent you from giving your full attention to the roadway, traffics signs and your surroundings.
Caltrans also reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo by checking www.quickmap.dot.ca.gov for real-time highway conditions prior to travel.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.