FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2020
Media Contact: Elizabeth Yelton, 559-488-4067 elizabeth.yelton@dot.ca.gov
(FRESNO COUNTY) – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) along with the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) announces the completion of 4.5 miles of new highway on the State Route 180 Kings Canyon Expressway from Smith Avenue to Frankwood Avenue in the County of Fresno.
“The 180 Expansion is a major milestone, providing a 4-lane connection from Eastern Fresno County to SR99, benefitting our Region’s commerce, commuters, students, and tourists,” said Fresno County Supervisor and FCTA Board Chair Buddy Mendes.
This third and final phase of the new $54.2 million Kings Canyon Expressway will facilitate improved access to destinations within the rural areas of Eastern Fresno County. This area serves as the gateway to Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, it links Eastern Fresno County to vital regional services, and is the primary agricultural goods and movement corridor for the region.
The new four-lane Expressway will improve the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and increase safety for roadway users. Improvement features include an additional travel lane in each direction, construction of a new two-lane bridge over the Kings River, distinct shoulders, safer intersections and Kings River access, plus a wide median and a traffic signal at Reed Ave.
This Measure C local-funded project began in July of 2017, and was completed on time and within budget thanks to the partnership between Caltrans, FCTA, Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG), and the County of Fresno. All funding sources for the $54.2 million Expressway include Regional Transportation Improvement Program ($28.1 Million), Measure C – Fresno County Transportation Authority ($23.1 Million), State Highway Operation and Protection Program ($1.2 Million), and Federal Demonstration Funding ($1.8 Million).
“Caltrans is proud to be a part of the completion of the Kings Canyon Expressway Project,” said Caltrans District Director, Diana Gomez. “Together with Fresno County Transportation Authority, we have been able to provide an efficient and safe route for residents and visitors alike.”
In place of hosting a celebratory public ribbon-cutting event during COVID-19, the FCTA and Caltrans approached project partners for potential sponsorships focused toward supporting the community. Project partners Vulcan Materials Company and High-Light Electric Inc. each graciously gave $1,500 for a total of $3,000 that is being donated to The Sanger Forward Foundation, a 501c(3) intent on the betterment of the city of Sanger through improvement projects such as downtown revitalization and generating economic growth for the community. Additional project partners include Sanger Chamber of Commerce and Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
Drone footage of the completed SR180 Kings Canyon Expressway project can be accessed at: https://measurec.com/state-route-180-expansion
About Measure C
Measure C is a major part of making Fresno County a great place to live, work and play. Since 1986, the Measure C program has transformed Fresno County residents’ daily commute and quality of life through building and improving 1,200 miles of local streets, county roads and state highways. Measure C funds local and regional transit services, and builds trails, bike lanes and ADA facilities, while leading initiatives to better our air quality and bolster the local economy. Measure C successfully leverages local dollars with other resources to deliver billions of dollars in local transportation improvements, while providing tens of thousands of jobs. For a complete breakdown of funding initiatives, visit www.measurec.com. To view a copy of Measure C’s 2019 annual report, visit http://measurec.com/annual-reports-2/.
