Project Information

Project Description

The proposed project would improve State Route 99 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes within the median from post mile 15.1 to post mile 19.9 in Madera County. The project limits extend from 0.5 mile north of the Avenue 17 Overcrossing to 1 mile south of the Avenue 21½ Overcrossing. There is a build alternative (Alternative 1) and a no-build alternative under consideration.

The build alternative (Alternative 1) would:

Construct two lanes within the existing median. Existing lanes would be reconstructed using a rehab strategy and upgraded to standard widths, where feasible.
The Berenda Creek Bridge would be improved on both sides to accommodate the additional lane and standard shoulder widths.
There would be upgrades to the existing drainage, with the potential for a new basin.
Overhead signs and gore areas would also be upgraded to current standards.
All ramps within the project limits would also be overlaid with hot mix asphalt, as required.
Add complete streets elements.
No new right-of-way is anticipated. No temporary construction easements are anticipated. Existing utilities may need to be relocated.
All existing vegetation within the median would be removed. Existing trees and vegetation near the bridges may be removed to accommodate the bridge improvements.
The number of working days is estimated at 350.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to improve route continuity, improve travel time reliability, improve traffic operations, and repair and extend the service life of the existing pavement.

Need

Enhancement of this segment of State Route 99 in Madera County is needed to:

Close the existing 6-lane gap between Avenue 17 and Avenue 21 1/2 for route continuity, travel time reliability, and to improve traffic operations. State Route 99 is a 6-lane facility, directly north and south of the project, while the project location (0.5 mile north of the Avenue 17 to 1 mile south of Avenue 21 1/2) currently exists as a 4-lane facility. This creates a gap in route continuity and forms a bottleneck for vehicles on State Route 99. Addressing route continuity would improve the traffic operations and travel time reliability on State Route 99.
Repairs are needed to extend the service life of the existing pavement on State Route 99 within the project limits.

Estimated Project Cost

The total cost for the project is estimated to be $181 million.

Tentative Project Schedule

Draft Environmental Document

Spring 2027

Final Environmental Document

Spring 2028

Design to be completed

Fall 2030

Construction to begin

Summer 2031

Construction to be completed

Spring 2033