Major Upgrades Planned for Visalia’s Caldwell Avenue Interchange

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia ConstructionCalifornia News

Artist's rendering of the upcoming Caldwell Avenue interchange improvements in Visalia.

News Summary

The City of Visalia is set for significant infrastructure improvements with the new Caldwell Avenue interchange project on SR99. Funded by a $66 million contract awarded to Granite, the project will include the construction of precast girder bridges, new on/off ramps, roundabouts, and upgraded drainage systems. Construction is expected to start in August 2025 and be completed by the second quarter of 2027, aiming to enhance safety and traffic flow in the area.

Big Changes Coming to Visalia with New SR99 Caldwell Avenue Interchange Project!

Hey there, Visalia residents! Exciting news is on the horizon as our very own city prepares for a major upgrade to the Caldwell Avenue interchange located on SR99. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has just handed a hefty contract, totaling around $66 million, to Granite. This project is set to make our roads safer and more accessible, and it’s officially kicking off a brand new chapter for our infrastructure.

What’s Coming to Caldwell Avenue?

So, what can we expect from this project? First off, the plans include constructing a whole new pair of precast girder bridges. Yes, that means we’ll be seeing a 2-span bridge soaring over SR99, along with a single-span structure taking on the UPRR tracks. Plus, if you’ve ever navigated through the area, you’ll know how valuable those new on/off ramps will be. Four of them are in the works, and we can look forward to newly designed roundabouts to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Walls, Walls, and More Walls!

The project will also be building a total of 12 new retaining walls, because who doesn’t love a sturdy structure? They’ll be made from a mix of materials including cast-in-place concrete walls, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, and soldier pile walls decked out with timber lagging. These upgrades will not only enhance safety but will also help support the road and those trusty new bridges coming our way.

Draining the Rain

Another significant component of this project is related to our drainage systems. As anyone who’s weathered a California rainstorm knows, proper drainage is key to avoiding that nasty standing water. As part of this extensive improvement, there will also be upgrades to our existing drainage systems. And for those who need a little guidance on the road, the project will feature new pavement delineation and roadside signage as well.

Getting to Work

Now, you might be wondering when all this is going down. Drumroll, please! Construction is slated to kick off in August 2025. Get ready for some buzz in the area because the work is expected to wrap up by the second quarter of 2027. It’s a bit of a wait, but once finished, this interchange will serve our community like never before.

Building Community Synergy

And here’s something else to note: this project will be happening very close to another pavement rehabilitation project planned in Tulare that’s set for 2025. With both projects working in tandem, we can expect operational synergies that could enhance our roadway experience overall.

Granite’s Commitment to Quality

Granite, a seasoned player in the construction industry since 1922, truly puts a premium on ethical standards, safety, and sustainability. They’re recognized as one of the largest diversified construction and materials companies in the nation, so you know we’re in good hands. This project will be part of Granite’s first-quarter Capital Acquisition Plan (CAP) and relies on a blend of both state and federal funding.

Let’s Embrace the Future!

As we stand on the brink of change, we can be optimistic about the impact this project will have on our community. With improved infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, and better traffic flow, the Caldwell Avenue interchange project is shaping up to be a game-changer for Visalia. Here’s to a smoother ride and an even brighter future!