An overpass over a freeway
The new Austin Road overpass in Manteca was made wider and longer as part of the State Route 99/120 Connector Project. (Photo courtesy of the San Joaquin Council of Governments)

Life is a little easier for truckers, commuters and other drivers who navigate the interchange between state routes 99 and 120 in Manteca.

The two-year, $50 million construction project to unsnarl connections between the two major thoroughfares is complete.

The project — overseen by the San Joaquin Council of Governments, the consortium of eight cities nestled around Stockton — is being hailed as a bureaucratic victory as well.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, who chairs SJCOG, cut the ribbon last week at a ceremony to dedicate the new connectors.

“This project will greatly improve traffic safety, mobility and connectivity for the entire region,” Fugazi said in a statement. “This is more than just pavement, concrete and steel. It’s about improving a crucial transportation hub to move people and goods more efficiently to support the region’s economic vitality.”

SJCOG said the goal of the project is to reduce traffic congestion and commute times. That, in turn, will mean reduced greenhouse gas emissions from cars that otherwise would be idling in traffic, a benefit for the entire region.

The project was funded in large part by Measure K, a half-cent increase to the local sales tax for transportation projects first passed in 1990.

The improvements included adding a lane to State Route 120’s connector ramp to southbound SR-99. The old Austin Road overcrossing was replaced with a new, longer bridge that doubled the number of lanes.

Dignitaries cutting a ribbon
Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, chair of the San Joaquin Council of Governments, cuts the ribbon to dedicate the State Route 99/120 Connector Project. She is surrounded by local dignitaries. (Photo courtesy of the San Joaquin Council of Governments)

The improvements carried over to surrounding streets as well. East Woodward Avenue in Manteca was expanded to four lanes, up from two, and given new street lights.

A new street, Singh Road, was constructed between Austin Road and east Atherton Drive. The designation pays homage to the area’s large Punjabi population. Singh, a popular name in South Asia, translates to “lion” in English.

“We’re already seeing a shift these improvements are having on our region with better traffic flow on State Routes 99 and 120, and on nearby surface streets,” Manteca Mayor Gary Singh, SJCOG’s vice chair, said. “These improvements are a catalyst for expanding and strengthening the regional economy in ways we haven’t seen before.”