District 2 photo
By Kurt Villavicencio
District 2 public information officer
On a bustling stretch of rural Tehama County, a small but significant intersection is getting a big safety upgrade.
The junction of State Route 99 and South Avenue, also known as County Road A9, has long been a cause for concern among both motorists and safety officials. Now, Caltrans District 2 is stepping in with a major construction project aimed at saving lives and easing traffic flow.
“The crash data here speaks volumes,” said Sara Hunt, Caltrans project manager. “This intersection has a collision rate nearly five times higher than the state average. It’s our job to analyze intersections with significant collision history and come up with a design solution that creates a safer intersection for everyone.”
The South Avenue Safety Project will replace the existing stop-controlled intersection with a modern single-lane roundabout. Construction began on April 28 and is expected to wrap up by late fall. The roundabout, supported by updated lighting, signage, drainage and realignment, is designed to slow traffic and reduce the chance of severe or fatal crashes.
“Roundabouts are one of the most effective tools we have in reducing the severity of collisions,” said Edward Worden, resident engineer for Caltrans District 2. “They force drivers to slow down and eliminate head-on and broadside crash patterns. We’ve seen this work across California and in other districts.”
The project is being delivered in five phases, with traffic control in place to minimize disruption. Motorists can expect short delays — up to 14 minutes when the surface is paved, and around 23 minutes during unpaved phases. Caltrans has pledged to keep the public informed every step of the way through updates, signage and outreach.
During a virtual public meeting held in April, community members voiced both concerns and support.
“We heard from residents who were understandably cautious about the impacts of construction,” Hunt said. “But we also heard from many who were happy something is being done to make this intersection safer for their families.”
Beyond improving safety, Caltrans is also taking care to protect the environment. The project team conducted a thorough environmental assessment and is working to minimize impacts to wetlands, riparian areas and nearby farmland. In all, about 2.75 acres of Williamson Act lands will be converted, but mitigation measures are in place to offset those effects.
“This isn’t just a construction project,” added Hunt. “It’s about improving quality of life for folks in Tehama County. When you know an intersection has a history of crashes — you feel a responsibility to act. We’re proud to be part of a solution.”
With work now underway, Caltrans encourages residents and travelers to plan ahead, remain patient, and stay alert through the work zone. The end result, officials say, will be a safer, more efficient route that better serves everyone on the road.