The 1950s era Austin Road freeway overpass will be gone in a matter of days.

That means motorists won’t be able to cross Highway 99 via Austin Road for at least 18 months.

The closure will start this Sunday, Feb. 2.

The San Joaquin Council of Goverments — the Measure K sales tax supported agency that is overseeing the Highway 99/120 Bypass Connector Project — indicated a detour will be marked with electronic signs, additional directional signs, and traffic controls.

The overcrossing closure could be delayed due to forecasted inclement weather. 

Even so, Austin Road will be closed Sunday evening, Feb. 2, to Friday evening, Feb. 7, to through traffic from West Ripon Road to Moffat Boulevard for related irrigation work. Only local traffic will be allowed on Austin Road.

The removal of the overpass is critical given it will allow additional transition lanes to and from the 120 Bypass to the Manteca-Ripon segment of Highway 99 to be built.

The additional transition lanes — the Bypass to southbound 120 being constructed in the current project phase and the northbound Highway 99 to the Bypass in the next phase — will ease traffic congestion and enhance safety.

The new bridge will also span the Union Pacific tracks to help address congestion on nearby Manteca streets.

Traffic trying to reach southbound Highway 99 from southwest Manteca won’t have to deal with train delays.

The replacement overpass, due to funding committed by the City of Manteca, will have four thorough lanes instead of two in order to accommodate future growth.

“The safety of motorists driving through the area is our No. 1 priority,” said Gwen Owens, SJCOG project manager “That’s why we’re committed to carrying out this very important project.”

“This detour is necessary while we take down the overpass and replace it with one that better meets the needs of everyone for well into the future. And we wanted motorists to know as soon as possible about the detour so they can plan accordingly.”

SJCOG recommends that travelers sign up to receive construction-related updates via text or by email by visiting SR99-120connector.com

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com