County gives green light to largest road project ever

Change is coming soon to one of the most traveled expressways in the entire region.

In a historic vote, the Madera County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the SR 41 Expansion Project, the single largest public works expansion project in the history of the county.

Officials said the widening of Highway 41 between Avenue 10 and Avenue 15 to four lanes will enable the future growth of Eastern Madera County.

The $130 million expansion project is also planned to include a new bridge over Avenue 11 going southbound, a new signal at Avenue 12 and modify an existing signal at Avenue 15.

The purpose of the project is to improve local circulation, route continuity and interregional mobility, according to the public works department.

The project will provide for future traffic demands including the Rio Mesa Area Plan which foresees 15,000 acres with 30,000 homes in 30 years along with the continued expansion of Community Medical Center.

Plans for the widening of Highway 41 date back to 2014 when Caltrans began the project approval and environmental document phase.

With construction and inspection bids now awarded to California Construction Management and Engineering, Inc. (CCME) and Yarbs Grading and Paving, Inc. the project will break ground this May with completion date set for May of 2028.

County officials said no existing lanes will be blocked off during construction.

Funding for the project is covered by road impact fees, a federal grant, discretionary federal funds and property tax revenue from housing and commercial developments along the corridor, according to the county.

“We made this happen,” said District 1 Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff during the vote.

“I’m so proud of this team for getting this across the finish line. This is going to be such an improvement in people’s lives and I’m thankful it’s finally happening.”