Avoiding driving thru downtown Manteca on Monday will save you what are expected to be sizeable delays.

Teichert crews are set to start grinding the pavement in the intersection at Yosemite Avenue and Main Street at 9 a.m. until the task is completed. The work will effectively close the intersection while grinding is taking place.

At the same time, East Yosemite Avenue will be closed from Sherman Avenue by Manteca High to Main Street for paving from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The grinding work is needed to lower the crown in the middle of the intersection where the slope has become too pronounced after decades of asphalt being added. It is similar to the work that is taking place from Sherman Avenue to Powers Avenue. The cross slope of the street has built it up to 4 inches and is being reduced down to 2 inches. 

The paving of the south side of Yosemite from Powers to Sherman along with paving from Powers to Cottage Avenue should be completed within the coming weeks.

The $2.8 million contract awarded to Teichert Construction to upgrade Yosemite Avenue between Main Street and Cottage Avenue is being funded primarily with federal funds and augmented with local gas tax and Measure K receipts.

Safety highlights, lane configuration changes, and other work include:

uStripping on westbound Yosemite at Powers Avenue that puts a bicycle lane between the through lane and the lane that turns right. Not only is that considered safer for bicyclists but it should end the illegal practice of motorists using the right turn lane as a through lane to cut in front of traffic. Bike lanes will be put in place from Main Street to Cottage Avenue.

uThere are hand activated overhead warning flashers planned at Yosemite Avenue at the intersections of Garfield Avenue and Sherman Avenue in front of Manteca High. The flashers will be powered by solar panels.

uVarious curbs at intersections are being replaced to comply with current American with Disabilities Act standards.

uInstalling high visibility crosswalks.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com