Modesto, CA — Caltrans has awarded funding to build the first phase of a Highway 108 bypass that will eventually give travelers to the Central Valley the option of avoiding populated areas of Oakdale, Riverbank and Modesto.
The long-term plan is to construct a six lane Highway 108 expressway along the outskirts of the three communities. It would effectively reduce commute times for Tuolumne County residents who choose to work or shop in the Central Valley. The first phase, referred to as the North County Connector, will consist of a three mile expressway that will move Highway 108 south of the town of Riverbank. The $20-million needed for phase one was awarded this week from the US Transportation Department. There was not a timeline given for how long the project will take to construct. It is one of 91 projects that will receive federal grant funding, nationwide, through a new grant program.
US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says, “BUILD transportation grants are major investments in road, rail, transit, and port projects that serve as a down payment on this administration’s commitment to America’s infrastructure.”
The Highway 108 project is one of four to receive funding in the state, but the only one in the greater region. Others are in San Francisco, Calexico and San Luis Obispo.
Written by BJ Hansen.
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