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Highway 99 freeway closure set
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SALIDA — Major construction activities associated with the Highway 99/Highway 219 Kiernan Avenue Interchange Reconstruction Project are anticipated in early January. 

The work starts with a switchover of the westbound lanes of Kiernan Avenue between Sisk Road and Salida Boulevard onto the newly constructed north side of the bridge. The switchover will take place from 10 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, to 6 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7. Following the switchover, motorists may notice changes in road elevations as they enter and/or leave the newly constructed area.  The changes in road elevations are temporary and are due to the new bridge height. 

Eastbound traffic will be switched to the middle portion of the existing bridge. 

The traffic switchover will allow for demolition of the south portion of the existing bridge, tentatively scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, and Saturday, Jan. 10, weather permitting. To accommodate demolition activities, full closures of Highway 99 will be in place at the interchange, from 11 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, to 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, and from 11 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, to 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 11. Subsequent demolition work will be done the following weekend, as needed.

Signs will be in place to direct motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

This work is scheduled to begin as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and other construction-related issues.

The interchange is being reconstructed to help meet future traffic demands, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve the overall operation of the interchange. The project includes the following primary improvements:

• Replacing the existing bridge, as well as the on- and off-ramps;

• Constructing a new auxiliary lane in each direction on Highway 99 from Kiernan Avenue to Pelandale Avenue;

• Adding a lane in each direction on Kiernan Avenue;

• Providing improved operations for turning movements to and from Highway 99:

• Constructing associated local road improvements at Sisk Road and Salida Boulevard; and

• Constructing a storm drain pump station.

Construction of the interchange is anticipated to be complete in fall 2016.