This Merced Co. city begins ‘long awaited’ project after over 10 years
GUSTINE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A “long-awaited” transportation improvement project for a Merced County city is now underway after over 10 years of planning, officials announced Tuesday.
Work on a roundabout part of the “City of Gustine State Route 140 Pedestrian – Bicycle – Motorized Transportation Enhancement Plan” has officially commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony. The project will cover the intersection of Highway 140 and Highway 33.
“This project has been long in the making, but I’m sure it will prove to be worth the wait,” said Mayor Pat Nagy. “I think this will be a great addition to our city.”
The city officials state the project will construct a single-lane roundabout on Highway 140 and Highway 33 at the intersection of Fourth Street and Sixth Avenue. Additional changes to the intersection will include the realignment of Railroad Avenue, rehabilitation of underground city utilities within the project limits, and the construction of a woonerf between Ash Avenue and Railroad Avenue.
“The State Route 140 roundabout will not only welcome motorists to the city of Gustine, but it will also serve as a vital route for commuters, and the movement of commercial and agricultural products through the region,” said Caltrans District 10 Interim Director Grace Magsayo.
Officials say the groundbreaking ceremony marked the culmination of more than 10 years of planning as the city collaborated with various agencies for design, project permitting, and funding phases.
The city says the project is funded by a combination of $2.4 million in federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds, $810,000 in Westside Regional Measure V funds, and $800,000 in a combination of local Measure V, City Water, and City Sewer funds.
“This project is an excellent example of the collaborative funding required to deliver the kind of transformative infrastructure we need in our modern transportation systems,” said Stacie Guzman, MCAG Executive Director. “This is exactly what Measure V promised to the voters, and we are happy to see it being delivered to the residents of Gustine.”
