Sonny Dhaliwal views the extension of Roth Road to Highway 99as a way to secure good paying jobs, address present and future truck traffic issues, and improve the quality of life for Manteca and Lathrop residents.
Dhaliwal, who represents both cities on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, is committed to helping move the project forward.
The biggest truck traffic generator — the Union Pacific Railroad intermodal facility — has put in place improvements that will allow it to eventually double its truck-to-rail freight movement.
The intermodal yard is in the county sandwiched between the two cities. The area north that Manteca is working toward annexing where the Roth Road extension would eventually be is currently in the county as well.
Dhaliwal noted it would create an Interstate 5 to Highway 99 corridor to serve the intermodal facility and future business park areas in the two cities mirroring the Interstate 5 to Highway 99 corridor created via Arch Road.
Arch Road now provides effective access to Stockton Metro Airport and a growing business park area from both freeways.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors last year approved an agreement with the San Joaquin Council of Governments and the City of Manteca to jointly fund the development of a project report for the proposed extension of Roth Road from Airport Way to Highway 99.
The project includes a potential interchange on Highway 99 midway between French Camp Road and Lathrop Road.
Dhaliwal stressed connecting Interstate 5 and Highway 99 via Roth Road will reduce truck traffic in the Lathrop and Manteca areas, enhance roadway safety, and support economic growth throughout the region.
The agreement moves the project into the first phase of planning for a critical link that has been discussed for years.
The project report will build on the findings of the 2023 Roth Road Improvement Study.
It will establish a future alignment for right-of-way preservation, propose interim improvements to the Highway 99 frontage road, and develop conceptual engineering and cost estimates for a new interchange.
The County’s share of the cost, not to exceed $166,667, will be funded through Road District 3 funds, with reimbursement from the City of Manteca upon annexation of the project area. SJCOG will serve as the lead agency overseeing consultant selection, contract management, and project coordination.
Supervisor Dhaliwal represents San Joaquin County’s Third District, covering Manteca, Lathrop, and part of Stockton.
Lathrop’s longest-serving mayor, he brings decades of local government experience and focuses on homelessness, water, infrastructure, and economic growth while championing safety, education, and affordable living.
