Rep. Jim Costa Announces $98 Million for Tulare’s State Route 99

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced $98 million to widen State Route 99 in Tulare County at the Paige Avenue multimodal interchange, relieving traffic congestion for San Joaquin Valley drivers. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) grant program and is significantly strengthened by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Thanks to the support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are taking significant steps toward creating a more efficient and reliable transportation network for our community,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “This vital funding will directly benefit the people of Tulare County by reducing traffic congestion and improving access to local businesses and essential services.”

 “This $98.4 million in federal funding will support dramatic improvement to Highway 99 in the City of Tulare, finally widening this section to six lanes to improve safety and reduce congestion. Highway 99 has been the most dangerous road in America for years, but we are changing that by working with our partners throughout the Valley,” said TCAG Chairman and City of Woodlake Mayor Rudy Mendoza. “We competed for this funding against projects from across the nation and could not have been successful without the support of the Valley’s home team in Congress, Congressmen David Valadao, Jim Costa, and Vince Fong. Our Congressional delegation has gone to bat for the Valley time and time again, and this funding is another demonstration of their effectiveness.”

BACKGROUND
The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will utilize this funding to expand about 5.4 miles of freeway from four to six lanes, adding one lane in each direction.

The project will also reconstruct four ramps to form a cohesive multimodal interchange that includes roundabouts at the ends of the ramps and nearby intersections. Furthermore, the funding will help build 10-foot-wide shared-use paths on both sides of Paige Avenue, creating an east-west corridor for different modes of transportation.

Learn more about the project HERE.