Drivers can use most of upgraded 99/120 junction. Key piece for Stanislaus waits
Officials cut the ribbon Wednesday at the improved interchange of Highways 99 and 120 in Manteca.
One key element could wait until late June: a second lane on the ramp between eastbound 120 and southbound 99. Drivers already can use the rest, including a fourth lane on a short stretch of 99 and a new Austin Road bridge over that freeway.
The ramp lane still needs final paving and striping, with possible nighttime detours updated on the project website. The widening will be especially useful to commuters returning from Bay Area jobs to Stanislaus County homes.
The $48.2 million project was built by Teichert Inc. of Sacramento on a contract with the San Joaquin Council of Governments. It began work in August 2024, funded by local, state and federal sources.
The speakers at the ribbon-cutting included U.S. Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy. He said the interchange had been the “No. 1 infrastructure priority” over his eight years in office. His district took in all of Stanislaus County until 2022.
“We have seen just so much population growth in south (San Joaquin) county, Stanislaus, Modesto, Manteca, Tracy,” Harder said, “and all of it has been clogged on that 99/120 overpass.”
The ribbon-cutting took place on the east end of the new Austin bridge. It connects on the west to Atherton Drive and Woodward Avenue, major routes in south Manteca.
Manteca Mayor Gary Singh also spoke: “These improvements will help reduce accidents and fatalities by eliminating conflict points and creating a safer transportation network for the thousands of drivers that travel this corridor every day.”
The project is funded in part by San Joaquin County’s Measure K sales tax and fees on property developers. It also has money from state and federal transportation programs and federal payments to local governments during COVID-19.
