Another $500,000 has been added to funding needed to effectively unclog what has arguably become the biggest obstacle facing Northern San Joaquín Valley commuters on this side of the Altamont Pass — the 120/Bypass 99 interchange.

Congressman Josh Harder (D-Tracy), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has secured $500,000 for the expansion of the Highway 99/120 Bypass interchange connector project.

In doing so, Harder is helping assure that by as early as 2029 that two thirds of the three phase project will be completed.

“We have some of the longest commute times in the country,” Harder said. “We’ve got to reduce traffic and cut down the time people spend in their cars.

“This federal funding for the next phase of the State Route 99/120 connector gets us one step closer to completing this important project and getting people home to their families quicker.”

The first phase is now out to bid and is expected to break ground this summer.

Mayor Gary Singh indicated that the $500,000 grant leaves regional officials with a $5 million gap to cover. Singh said that should be do-able to collect additional funds in time that when the first phase work is completed in 2½ years work can start immediately on the second phase.

The first phase includes the demolition of the Austin Road/Highway 99 interchange and the replacement four-lane overpass that will also clear the railroad tracks.

That will allow with the addition of a second southbound transition lane toward Modesto, that is also a part of the initial phase.

The second phase the $500,000 will help pay for a second transition lane from northbound Highway 99 to the westbound 120 Bypass.

 The third phase costing $60 million will restore the off and on ramps on the north side of the Austin Road interchange with an elaborate braided ramp system as well as add a third lane in each direction on the 120 Bypass between Highway 99 and Airport Way.

"On behalf of the San Joaquin Council of Governments Board of Directors and the San Joaquin One Voice delegation, I want to thank U.S. Rep. Josh Harder for seeking $500,000 for the State Route 99/120 Connector Phase 1B project, said David Bellinger Chair, San Joaquin Council of Governments Mayor, City of Escalon. “It was signed into law as part of the federal funding bill and brings us closer to delivering the second phase of the project," 

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com