Highway 99 construction project in Merced almost complete with ‘tunnel lane’ removed

Drivers passing through Merced on Highway 99 won’t have to clinch their steering wheels as tightly with construction winding down.

The concrete barriers that were lining the the northbound side of Highway 99 were removed late last week, eliminating the “tunnel lane” that had plagued drivers for more than two years.

Caltrans spokesperson Brian Hooker called the removal of the barriers a “major milestone” signaling the end of the Merced SR-99 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

Caltrans had previously closed the “tunnel lane” to southbound traffic on April 3, and it has only been used by the contractor for some remaining construction work the past few weeks.

“Caltrans greatly appreciates the patience and concerns of motorists and the community who have been traveling this route during the construction,” Hooker said. “Caltrans took every feasible control measure to increase traveler safety during construction where this elevated roadway creates a very tight and challenging area for construction work.”

The $65 million construction project started in the winter of 2021. Included in the project was repairing, replacing, or upgrading of AC dikes and curbs, adding shoulder backing, upgrading and replacing metal beam guard rails and upgrading terminal sections, replacing existing drainage grates with bicycle proof grates (where needed), and placing approach/departure slabs, according to Hooker.

Five miles of Highway 99 was also replaced from a half-mile south of Childs Avenue to 0.8 miles south of Franklin Road overcrossing.

“The new Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) will ultimately improve the safety and ride quality for motorists and extend the life of Highway 99 through Merced for up to 40 years,” Hooker said.

The project still has some remaining construction left as crews will be finishing out the project with some electrical, signage, and guardrail work along with the final striping.

Hooker says Caltrans aims to have the bulk of the work on the project done by Memorial Day.