CA 99 Widening

[rte66man]

I did not see anything on this. Mods. please feel free to move/merge as needed.

Two widening and interchange improvements for CA99 in Tulare and Kern Counties

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway in California

SUMMARY: The FHWA, on behalf of Caltrans, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by Caltrans that are final. The actions relate
to a proposed highway project, on State Route 99 from post miles 56.4-57.6 in Kern County and post miles 0.0-13.5 in Tulare County, State of
California. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Caltrans proposes to rehabilitate the pavement and construct an additional northbound and southbound lane
on State Route 99 from Delano to Pixley in Kern and Tulare counties.

and

SUMMARY: The FHWA, on behalf of Caltrans, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by Caltrans, that are final. The actions relate
to a proposed highway project, on State Route 99 from post miles 25.2 to post mile 30.6 in Tulare County, State of California.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Caltrans proposes to widen State Route 99 in the City of Tulare from just south of the Avenue 200
Overcrossing to the Prosperity Avenue Overcrossing (post miles 25.2 to 30.6). One lane would be built in each direction in the freeway median
to create a six-lane freeway. The existing interchange at Paige Avenue would be reconstructed to a tight diamond layout and two roundabouts
would be constructed on Paige Avenue at Blackstone Street and Laspina Street.

[cahwyguy]

Well, it's on my page on Route 99 ( https://www.cahighways.org/ROUTE099.html ) , and as it is from the CTC minutes, has been in my highway page update posts:

Delano to Pixley 6-Lanes project (PPNO 7072, EA 0W791) (06-Ker-99, PM 56.4/57.6; 06-Tul-99, PM 0.0/13.5)

In August 2021, the CTC amended the STIP to add the following project: Delano to Pixley 6-Lanes project (PPNO 7072, EA 0W791). 06-TUL-99 0.000/13.500. Route 99 Near Earlimart, from County line Road Overcrossing to 0.7 miles north of Avenue 100 (Court Street) Overcrossing.  Widen from 4-lanes to 6-lanes.  Also in Kern County from 0.1 miles south of Cecil Avenue Overcrossing to County Line Road.  Restriped the northbound lanes from lanes to three lanes. Updated financials ($ × 1,000): R/W Cap: $225; Const Cap: $56,800 ⇒ $81,800; PA&ED $3,360 ⇒ $5,160; PS&E $4,450 ⇒ $4,650; R/W Sup $400; Const Sup $10,128 ⇒ $11,100; Total: $75,363 ⇒ $103,335. NOTE: (1) Funding shortfall will be covered by a combination of SR 99 Bond funds and Tulare RIP funds.
(Source: August 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(2))

In January 2022, the CTC approved a Proposition 1B - State Route 99 Bond Program Amendment to add the Delano to Pixley 4 to 6-Lane Project in Kern and Tulare Counties, and program $25,000,000 $30,900,000 to Right of Way and Construction Capital in Fiscal Year 2023-24.(PPNO 7072). Specifically, the amendment programs $3 million to the Right of Way phase in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and $27.9 million to Construction Capital in Fiscal Year 2023-24
(Source: January 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 4.16)

In 2022, the CTC approved including "SR-99 Delano to Pixley 6 lanes" in the list of projects for the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA). The CRRSAA Program guidelines require regions submit a project list for allocation by the Commission prior to the obligation of funds. Under CRRSAA, the funds may be used for a broad range of surface transportation purposes listed in Section 113(b) of Title 23 of the U.S. Code and are meant to "prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus." Specifically, CRRSAA allows states to cover revenue losses, which is important given that California's State-generated transportation revenues have declined by about $1.5 billion due to the pandemic. Additionally, CRRSAA allows the funds to be used for  preventive and routine maintenance; operations; personnel; salaries; contracts; debt service payments; and availability payments; as well as transfers to public tolling agencies. At the March 2021 Commission meeting, the CTC approved the CRRSAA funding distribution and regional apportionments. The CRRSAA allocation for this project was $1,028,000.
(Source: August 2022 CTC Minutes, Agenda Item 2.5k)

In October 2023, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) has been completed: Route 99 in Kern and Tulare Counties. Improve a segment of Route 99 from a 4-lane highway to a 6-lane highway. The project also proposes to construct an additional lane, shoulder, and concrete barrier in the existing median and rehabilitate the pavement. (06-Ker-99, PM 56.4/57.6; 06-Tul-99, PM 0.0/13.5; PPNO 7072 and PPNO 6963). The project is currently programmed for a total of $109,235,000. The project is funded through the following programs: Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act ($1,028,000), State Transportation and Improvement Program (STIP) ($2,972,000), Proposition 1B State Route 99 ($30,900,000) and State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) ($74,335,000). Construction is estimated to begin 2024-25. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2022 STIP and SHOPP. A copy of the FEIR has been provided to Commission staff. Resources in the project area that may be impacted by the project include visual/aesthetics, hazardous waste, noise, and Swainson's hawk. Potential impacts associated with the project can all be mitigated to below significance with the exception of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), for which a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act was prepared. As a result, a FEIR was prepared for the project.
(Source: October 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(6))

[Max Rockatansky]

One negative to all these widening projects is that all the funky 1950s era exits and entrances are being eliminated.  The one where J Street in Tulare merged into the left hand northbound lanes was recently removed.  Mind you, all of this needed given how antiquated the freeway was in southern Tulare County but seeing vintage structures go always kind of sucks regardless.

[hurricanehink]

One negative to all these widening projects is that all the funky 1950s era exits and entrances are being eliminated.  The one where J Street in Tulare merged into the left hand northbound lanes was recently removed.  Mind you, all of this needed given how antiquated the freeway was in southern Tulare County but seeing vintage structures go always kind of sucks regardless.

There'll always be GSV for the vintage structures once the outdated intersections are improved 😉

[Max Rockatansky]

One negative to all these widening projects is that all the funky 1950s era exits and entrances are being eliminated.  The one where J Street in Tulare merged into the left hand northbound lanes was recently removed.  Mind you, all of this needed given how antiquated the freeway was in southern Tulare County but seeing vintage structures go always kind of sucks regardless.

There'll always be GSV for the vintage structures once the outdated intersections are improved 😉

Can't say I'm one to rely on GSV for vintage photos all that often.  I have my own photo stock and a collection of CHPWs to draw from.

[splashflash]

Widening CA 99 south of CA 120 Interchange and new ramps

https://stocktonia.org/news/uncategorized/2024/07/17/groundbreaking-ceremony-signals-start-of-99-and-120-connector-project/

https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf58mn2-Ixn201GWT-5da1DLXKne66Dj9nRbB4IMMzOZdGwpIHPLWkpxgPvlnQXDRb_xgmMlJLRmBkXCmXsiA_h-iPcL3FLfkmo7lgpXCe9G2R5VZOU_F06eG3iDh2rQ6RcmV4Wn1Xlpfv5Y3oIQ2XJkhOA?key=5qqK3mQtWD__D8Ctb-djSQ

"The long awaited upgrade to the California state routes 99 and 120 interchange will soon come to fruition as construction crews prepare for the start of a years-long project in San Joaquin County.

The State Route 99/120 According to Caltrans, the $132 million project will expand the north-to-south SR-99 and the east-to-west SR-120 interchange near southeast Manteca, as well as neighboring roads in three parts known as Phase 1A, 1B and 1C.

[splashflash]

[Bobby5280]

One thing I find odd about CA-99: all the trees that are allowed to grow next to the road, in the median, inside interchanges, etc. Does any of that violate current Interstate standards?

Widening projects I've seen elsewhere, such as I-35 in Texas or a portion of I-44 between OKC and Tulsa, usually have any trees cut well back from the shoulders and main lanes of the highway. Even here in Lawton I can remember them cutting back a bunch of trees along I-44 just North of the Gore Blvd exit. I figured the trees were removed because they were crash hazards. If someone lost control and went sliding sideways off the highway any trees in the path of the vehicle would be a very bad thing. Big trees do not give way. They'll bring a speeding vehicle to a dead stop if the vehicle hits it squarely.

[Max Rockatansky]

A lot of 99 was built up from two lane segments.  The Division of Highways was big on beautification, hence why you get all the shoulder and median plants.

[cl94]

With 99 in particular, it's a 2-lane road that was expanded to 4 lanes, then slowly upgraded to freeway. As most of the 4-lane sections predate the Interstate system, they predate those standards. When a new segment is widened, it is brought up to modern standards. There aren't a ton of good comparisons out west, but out east, think I-78 and I-83, which were designated on segments of US 22 and US 111 constructed in similar fashion. 99 is probably the closest you'll get out west to one of those grandfathered freeways.

It should also be noted that 99 is far from the only freeway in the state constructed with beautification in mind. The Cabrillo Parkway and Arroyo Seco Parkway have similar characteristics, just in urban settings. And many of the 50s-60s freeways were built with bushes in the median, which are now being removed to combat invasive species.

[Max Rockatansky]

The North Sacramento Freeway (current CA 160 and Old US 40) in particular has lots unmolested vintage foliage.

[Bobby5280]

It's pretty odd seeing big palm trees right on the edge of the shoulder. Here in Oklahoma they would either remove the trees or put guard rails on the edge of the shoulders to physically separate the tree trunks from the road way.

I-44 between Lawton and OKC is a mess right now due to a bunch of shoulder work taking place. They're laying down a lot of new asphalt on the shoulders as well as installing a lot of new guard rail segments.

Installing a bunch of guard rails might seem like overkill, but let's face it: distracted driving is an epidemic. When I'm on the highway I frequently see other motorists slowly drifting out of their lane as they do some other activity rather than watch the road. Often it's texting while driving. On CA-99 some text-obsessed motorist could drift to the right just a little too far and then BAM! Time for the hospital or morgue.

CA-99 may have originally been a 2-lane highway. Today nearly all of it between the South split with I-5 up to Sacramento is at least 3 lanes in both directions. The road ought to be looking more like I-35 between DFW and Austin. Instead a bunch of it still feels like a standard divided highway with at-grade intersections even though nearly all the at-grade intersections are gone.

[Max Rockatansky]

Really the only thing interesting about 99 is that it is a limited access corridor with pre-Interstate quirks.  Take those elements away and it is just another completely homogenized boring Interstate-like freeway.

Way too many of you are obsessed with making things the same when they don't need to be.  There likely would be heavy public resistance to removing foliage from 99. There is evidence for this already with the negative public reaction from to the upcoming changes to the Palm & Pine. 

[jdbx]

Really the only thing interesting about 99 is that it is a limited access corridor with pre-Interstate quirks.  Take those elements away and it is just another completely homogenized boring Interstate-like freeway.

Way too many of you are obsessed with making things the same when they don't need to be.  There likely would be heavy public resistance to removing foliage from 99. There is evidence for this already with the negative public reaction from to the upcoming changes to the Palm & Pine. 

I agree 100%.  I took for granted all of the oleander and iceplant around the local freeways when I was younger, but now that it's all essentially gone, I miss it. Sure, it was just a freeway median or exit gore, but seeing the flowers was much nicer than seeing some wavy designed stamped into the concrete barriers and wood chips thrown down in the unpaved interchange areas, which seems to be about all the beautification we get these days.

[Bobby5280]

I think it looks kind of cheap to have trees growing right on the edge of the shoulder in spotty random fashion. Outside cities CA-99 is going through areas that are mostly flat, wide open agricultural fields. The trees can stay, but I think there should be guard rails between them and the shoulder just for safety sake. The guard rails would make the highway look more like they finished building it.

[Max Rockatansky]

So this basically more about what you want  than anything else? 

Since you mentioned safety, you might want to check out the Avenue 7 exit in Madera County.  People drive directly off the road grade just prior to the northbound exit access a dirt path down to the San Joaquin River.  There is often an impressive number of cars tucked between the Herndon Bridge and Union Pacific Railroad Bridge.  Prime fishing real estate I'm to understand.

[Bobby5280]

So this basically more about what you want  than anything else?

I'm just stating my opinion. Jesus Fucking Christ.

[Max Rockatansky]

So this basically more about what you want  than anything else?

I'm just stating my opinion. Jesus Fucking Christ.

I caught it was an opinion.  All the same, you don't really seem to care what actual interests in the area might want.  I offer some of that insight and you get prickly about having your opinion contested.  I'm not sure what you were expecting?

[cl94]

Truth be told, people in the region appreciate that 99 has historic character, and we're starting to get more fights as the few remaining segments get upgraded. I think we're down to two 4-lane segments between Visalia and Lodi. Design work is ongoing for the bit between Fresno and Madera, Chowchilla is likely coming soon, and stuff south of Visalia is getting upgraded bit by bit. I'd assume the gap between Lodi and Sacramento will eventually come as well given the massive growth in the region.

As annoying as those 4-lane substandard segments can be at times, they're the only interesting thing about freeways in the Central Valley. I-5 is bleeping boring apart from the button copy and 99 isn't much better, but the substandard stuff and urban driving makes 99 the more interesting drive from a roadgeek perspective. Still a few original underpasses in there, which likely won't last much longer.

[Max Rockatansky]

Such as the Chowchilla Underpass which constructed in 1930.  This is still present on CA 99 just north of CA 152:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0u3epSU7ez1z1nwfv6vWrktbhRtemSZNHBVDfKNo4bGtCxgyG4YyWYdidZjKvEYUzl&id=100063655972258&mibextid=cr9u03

[Plutonic Panda]

I actually like the trees growing right alongside the highway. People should be more responsible for their actions. Turning CA-99 into a homogenous bland freeway isn't my first choice. I-5 is a bit west if you want that.

[heynow415]

Really the only thing interesting about 99 is that it is a limited access corridor with pre-Interstate quirks.  Take those elements away and it is just another completely homogenized boring Interstate-like freeway.

Way too many of you are obsessed with making things the same when they don't need to be.  There likely would be heavy public resistance to removing foliage from 99. There is evidence for this already with the negative public reaction from to the upcoming changes to the Palm & Pine. 

I agree 100%.  I took for granted all of the oleander and iceplant around the local freeways when I was younger, but now that it's all essentially gone, I miss it. Sure, it was just a freeway median or exit gore, but seeing the flowers was much nicer than seeing some wavy designed stamped into the concrete barriers and wood chips thrown down in the unpaved interchange areas, which seems to be about all the beautification we get these days.

Though mostly limited to urbanized areas, California's freeways used to have pretty extensive landscaping, some with irrigation systems no less, as a design feature incorporated into the original construction.  Prop 13 pretty much put an end to that in gutting maintenance budgets.  Many of those old trees and shrubs survive and there are still some token plantings done with new construction, but nothing like "the old days."
The oleanders in the median treatment used even on more rural divided highways like SR99 were an interesting design feature in that yes, they looked nice especially when flowering, but their primary benefit was to block headlight glare from the opposing traffic - long before the blinding LED's of today. And because deer don't like to browse on them, they didn't create an attractive nuisance for wildlife wandering across the lanes.

[Bobby5280]

I caught it was an opinion.  All the same, you don't really seem to care what actual interests in the area might want.  I offer some of that insight and you get prickly about having your opinion contested.  I'm not sure what you were expecting?

I start getting "prickly" when things start getting personal rather than there being disagreement about a certain point.

I actually like the trees growing right alongside the highway. People should be more responsible for their actions.

Here's the thing: shit happens. Not all car accidents are isolated incidents. Chain reaction crashes are fairly common. Someone could be zoning out in the center lane (texting while driving, falling asleep behind the wheel, driving drunk, etc) start swerving and run a vehicle in the right lane off the road -square into one of those trees.

Even with single car crashes not all of those are the fault of the driver. They'll hit something they couldn't see until the last second, lose control of the vehicle and wipe out.

I never said all those trees had to go. But it's pretty common in other states for guard rails to be installed between a bunch of trees next to the shoulder of a freeway. Other man-made things installed off the side of the freeway, such as those free-standing green signs have support posts that are designed to break away if a vehicle goes sliding sideways into them. Trees don't do that.

It's nice to have beautified highways, but safety standards are a bigger engineering priority than making the highway a public piece of art. The older segments of CA-99 just look old; they're not all that nice looking. The newer sections might look boring to some people, but at least they're more up to date on safety standards.

[Max Rockatansky]

And what are you taking personally exaclty?

[J N Winkler]

Caltrans this morning advertised contract 06-0W79U4, a $89 million inside lane widening of SR 99 covering the 14 miles from Delano (Kern County) to Pixley (Tulare County).  The oleanders currently in the median will disappear and be replaced by a concrete barrier.