MADERA COUNTY — As the construction project to widen a stretch of Highway 41 in the foothills continues to move along, officials say blasting will begin soon, along with anticipated delays.
According to Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Project Manager Anand Kapoor, contractor Teichert Construction plans to start blasting during the day beginning Monday, Apr. 25.
“The blasting is expected to last for three weeks,” notes Kapoor, “significantly less than previously estimated, and will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.”
During the blasting period, crews will work seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 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.
Nighttime closures that began on Apr. 3 just north of the 22 Mile House continue, as SR-41 is reduced to one-way traffic control Sunday night through Friday morning each week, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Nighttime traffic control is expected to last for approximately five months.
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.
Motorists can also choose an alternate route, using either Road 211 though Friant to Road 145 (see map below), or Road 400 west of Yosemite Lakes Park.
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. Teichert Construction has taken on the $8.7 million project, which is scheduled to be completed this year.
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, according to their website, having grown over the years into a mix of businesses, including 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.
