COUNTY — Those who commute on CA-41 from the foothills to Fresno and beyond will be pleased to learn that construction to add passing lanes is progressing efficiently, and the number of construction-related days of significant delay may be about half of what was originally suggested.
“Blasting on State Route 41 is currently ahead of schedule,” says Cory Burkarth of Caltrans. “At the beginning of the project, there were up to 40 days scheduled for blasting. However, as it stands now, we may only be blasting for just over 20 days total.”
Burkarth adds that Caltrans, in consultation with Teichert Construction, estimates that as of now just six or seven days of blasting remain to be completed. Because these operations won’t go on for as long as initially planned, other portions of the project will move forward sooner. Caltrans says paving operations could begin as soon as Monday, June 13.
Teichert Construction will continue to blast this week Tuesday, May 24 through Thursday, May 26.
Traffic will be interrupted during blasting, with delays planned for a maximum of 30 minutes, provided the blast goes off as anticipated. Traffic will be stopped well in advance of the blasting area for safety reasons, says Caltrans.
Caltrans advises drivers to add additional time to their commute during construction, and to please watch for contractor and Caltrans personnel and equipment. All scheduling is dependent upon weather conditions.
The construction project will add passing lanes in both directions along 1.7 miles of State Route 41 just north of Highway 145 near the 22 Mile House, from mile posts 11.7 to 13.4.
The project also includes construction of 8-foot outside shoulders, a 4-foot soft median barrier, both with rumble strips. Drainage culverts will be extended to accommodate the passing lanes.
Contractor Teichert, Inc. has been in business since 1887, and includes Teichert Construction and Teichert Materials.
Various agencies have been collaborating on this project for over seven years, including Caltrans, Madera County Transportation Commission, and the County Public Works Department. The project is funded by the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and locally through Madera County.
Below is an available detour route during construction – click to enlarge.
