Funding to widen Interstate 205 from six to eight lanes has been shifted to the second phase of the Highway 99/120 Bypass connector project.

That means the odds are construction will take place non-stop for four years starting sometime this summer or early fall.

And if Manteca Mayor Gary Singh accomplishes his goal, construction work could last as long as six years.

The first phase that is now going out to bid:

*replaces the Austin Road interchange with a six lane overcrossing that also will clear the railroad tracks.

*constructs a second lane for the transition from the eastbound 120 Bypass to southbound Highway 99.

*reconfigures Woodward Avenue’s connection to Moffat Boulevard and its crossing of the railroad tracks.

*builds a new road connecting Woodward Avenue with Austin Road.

The $36.9 million first phase has been completely funded.

The second phase costing $28 million will add an additional transition lane from northbound Highway 99 to the westbound 120 Bypass.

The money earmarked for the I-205 work — $13.8 million — was shifted to the second phase of the 99/10 endeavor after Singh lobbied the San Joaquin Council of Governments to do so.

Singh had noted work for the environmental portion needed to start the I-205 project rolling was at least five years away.

Now that the money has been reassigned, SCOG and elected leaders can lobby for funds given projects that already have local money committed are more effective at snagging state or federal grants.

If the balance can be secured in the next year or so, there is a good chance work could start on the second phase right after the first phase is completed.

That means the second phase could be completed as earlier as 2029 instead of the original target of 2033.

Getting the third and final phase to start once the second phase is completed will be more daunting.

It carries a $62 million price tag.

That’s because it installs elaborate braided ramps to restore the northbound on ramp and southbound off ramp to Austin Road. It also involves widening the 120 Bypass to six lanes between Main Street and the 99/120 Bypass interchange.

Singh hopes to get an area of benefit fee in place for areas yet to be developed in southeast Manteca to help pay for the work.

Currently the earliest phase three could be completed and the ramp access at Austin Road restored is 2042.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com