Construction along the Hwy 99 corridor in Gridley backs up traffic as work continues through the business district. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Construction continues on the $27.3 million State Route 99 Pavement Rehabilitation Project in Gridley as Caltrans crews make steady progress from the southern edge to the northern limit of town.

Long traffic lines have been observed, with backups extending from the four-way stop at East Gridley Road and Magnolia Street to Highway 99 during non-rush-hour periods.

The Gridley Herald reached out to Caltrans Public Information Officer Megan Reese with the California Department of Transportation regarding safety and the project timeline.

“Caltrans understands the traffic impacts and community concerns related to the ongoing construction,” Reese said. “The State Route 99 project in Gridley is currently in active construction, with work expected to continue into winter 2026.”

Reese said the goal is to complete work in the summer of 2026 if the project remains on schedule.

Highway 99 is prone to heavy traffic, particularly during extended construction periods. Foggy conditions affecting the region have further reduced visibility through construction zones.

Local drivers have encountered closed entrances to shopping centers that are poorly marked, lack signage and are difficult to see until reaching the entrance. The Gridley Herald has also observed rough and steep access points to shopping centers that have not been paved but are temporarily filled with dirt to allow public access. The use of cones makes entrances difficult to distinguish.

“Cones are often used to delineate open and restricted areas because they allow flexibility as conditions change day to day,” Reese said. “When an entrance is fully closed, signage is typically installed. However, partial or temporary access may be managed with cones rather than fixed signs to avoid confusion as layouts shift. Caltrans recognizes that fog and nighttime conditions can make these transitions more challenging to navigate.”

Reese said field crews review the areas for safety and report to the contractor so adjustments can be made, including entrance grading, signage placement or other needs.

Unlike many construction projects, this project will not have a winter suspension, and night work has been reduced to a minimum due to heavy fog, Reese said.

“Once conditions improve, Caltrans will resume night work to help reduce daytime traffic impacts,” Reese said. “As construction moves north, Caltrans is coordinating internally to monitor areas with higher pedestrian activity, including routes used by students.”

The rehabilitation project is expected to deliver long-term improvements for drivers and businesses.

“The project is designed to significantly improve ride quality with a smoother roadway surface, strengthen the roadway structure and enhance drainage to better handle storm events,” Reese said. “Added sidewalks and wider shoulders will enhance mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists, making it a safer corridor for all users of Highway 99 through Gridley.”