Project Will Repair and Replace Deteriorating Pavement
Merced – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is preparing to begin a maintenance project that will improve the roadway surface of State Route 33 (SR-33) from Santa Nella to the City of Gustine in Merced County.
Work will include the repair of roadway surface locations using hot-mix asphalt, along with the removal and installation of new shoulder backing, and rumble strips. Overnight, alternating lane closures on northbound and southbound SR-33 will be required for the safety of motorists, roadway workers and equipment.
Beginning Monday, July 6, 2026, crews will work night shifts from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., for approximately 30 working days - Sundays through Thursdays - with completion expected in late August 2026. Roadside message signs will be placed on SR-33 & SR-140 to alert motorists of scheduled highway lane closures.
This $3.4 million project was awarded to George Reed Inc. (Modesto, CA), who will perform the work required. This project will benefit motorists traveling from Santa Nella to Gustine, as well as commercial vehicles traveling throughout Merced County.
By improving the roadway surface, this project will also improve mobility and greatly reduce current and future maintenance repair costs for this highly traveled corridor.
Caltrans will provide continuous updates on scheduled lane and ramp closures, and any other lane closure details in future traffic advisories and social media posts.
The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues. For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit RebuildingCA.CA.gov or Build.CA.gov.
Motorists should expect 5-to-10-minute delays and use alternate routes whenever possible. All work is scheduled to occur as listed but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment/materials, and construction-related issues.
For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert. Caltrans also reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo by checking QuickMaps on your mobile device or visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov for real-time highway conditions.
