Construction on new ramp connections between Highways 180, 41 and 168 has officially started. CalTrans held an open house meeting Thursday, to discuss the project with the public.
The $49-million braided ramps project includes building new ramp connections between highways 41, 168, and 180, in Fresno. Along the new ramp connections, the First Street under-crossing will be widened to two lanes. The Cedar Avenue on ramp will also be widened, to accommodate a ramp metering system.
“Basically, that's going to allow traffic to merge and reduce congestion and improve the mainline flow,” said CalTrans public information officer, Gloria Rodriguez.
CalTrans officials say the project is currently being designed, and is being built as they go. Construction just started June 2012. Rodriguez explained, “In spring, you probably will see ramp closures and lane closures, that type of thing. But for now, a lot of the work is going to be done outside of the right of way.”
Judith Palmer lives near Cedar Avenue. She said, “It looks like it's going to be fantastic. This is the best picture they've had. You can really tell how it's going to work this time. Last time, it was confusing, but the colors, you could see exactly where they're going.”
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2013.
TXT 24
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