MADERA COUNTY – Those who drive Highway 41 in and out of the foothills have something to cheer about, as long-anticipated plans to add a passing lane north of Highway 145 near the 22 Mile House are scheduled to get underway later this year.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will construct a passing lane in the northbound and southbound directions on State Route 41 from 0.3 mile north of Road 208 to 2.2 miles north of Road 208 in Madera County. The project will also construct 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.
According to Madera County Public Works Director Johannes J. Hoevertsz, agencies have been collaborating on this project for over seven years, including Cal Trans, Madera County Transportation Commission, and the County Public Works Department. Hoevertsz confirms that the project is funded and construction will begin in late summer or early fall of 2015, and require 12 months to 18 months to complete, depending on weather. Highway 41 will not close but commuters can expect delays during construction.
The specific plans for the project will go out to bid by summer.
I would like to see Highway 41 widened in between Erna’s and the Purple Cow. Some people have to walk that to get to their medical facility, and there is literally no room at all. I’d rather have safety on that patch than a passing lane.
This is wonderful! Please extend it all
the way to Oakhurst. Thank you!!!