The spur that was created when the City of Lathrop realigned Harlan Road to allow for better traffic flow and allow for commercial growth is getting a new name.
Earlier this month the Lathrop City Council approved a request to rename the spur – which was previously known as South Harlan Road – to Old Harlan Road to prevent confusion amongst motorists, delivery drivers, and first responders.
After the realignment of Harlan Road in the early 2000’s, the original section of roadway retained its original name and numbering alignment which had begun to create confusion – even though the section of road was referred to by some residents at Old Harlan Road, it retained its name on online maps. With more people visiting the area since the opening of Lathrop’s first chain supermarket in Save Mart, the situation prompted city staff to suggest a formal name change to solve any lingering issues.
The City of Lathrop approved a similar name change last year when they formally extended the official length of Yosemite Ave. by changing the name of Guthmiller Road to align it with the rest of the roadway that becomes State Route 120.
Businesses in the area that were located on what was technically Guthmiller Road had long been using Yosemite Avenue as their address so as to not confuse delivery drivers.
The island of land created by the realignment of Harlan Road had previously only contained a Chevron gas station and some longstanding businesses, but has since become home to a Burger King and an O’Reilly Auto Parts store as well as a Wells Fargo ATM. One triangular parcel of land that has not yet been developed remains in the area, but development in the vicinity – which caters to both local drivers and the I-5 corridor – is expected.
Three street name signs will need to be installed in order to complete the transition and will be paid for by the City of Lathrop.
The City of Lathrop has positioned Lathrop Road to become a major thoroughfare connecting the historical heart of the city to the adjacent community and ultimately Highway 99 – creating a corridor that connects California’s two main arterial highways. The city expanded Lathrop Road through its commercial core to two lanes in each direction just recently and received grants and funding for elevated crossings over two separate sets of Union Pacific Railroad tracks that keeps traffic moving.
The recently renamed section of Old Harlan Road will still be accessible by both Lathrop Road and the realigned Harlan Road.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
