MADERA COUNTY – Construction is underway now on both sides of CA-41, north of Highway 145 near the 22 Mile House, as a project eight years in the making finally gets its start.
Caltrans spokesperson Gloria Rodriguez confirmed that construction has commenced to add passing lanes in both directions along 1.7 miles of State Route 41 just north of Highway 145 near Road 208 in Madera County, from mile posts 11.7 to 13.4. Teichert Construction has taken on the $8.7 million project, which should be completed in August of this year, if all goes as planned.
The passing lanes are being built in both northbound and southbound directions. The project also includes construction of 8-foot outside shoulders, a 4-foot soft median barrier, and rumble strips on the outside shoulders and the median. Drainage culverts will be extended to accommodate the passing lanes.
Initially, the contractor will implement clearing and grubbing operations to clear debris before they move on to blasting operations in order to remove rocks and other impediments on the shoulder. Drainage work will follow within the project limits.
Blasting will begin on the northbound side first, says Rodriguez, and that portion of the project is expected to take about two months. Once that is done, work on the southbound side will begin, and is also anticipated to last about two months.
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 during the blasting periods will be stopped well in advance of the area for safety reasons.
When crews are not blasting, road work will be done primarily during daylight hours with minimal delays. All scheduling is dependent upon weather conditions.
Caltrans asks drivers to add additional time to their commute during construction, which is slated for 90 working days altogether, and to please watch for contractor and Caltrans personnel and equipment.
“Slow for the cone zone,” reminds Rodriguez. Inclement weather, including rain and fog, could cause the project to be delayed.
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.
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 –
