The Lathrop City Council Monday gave the go-ahead to submit the Louise Avenue and Interstate 5 Interchange Capital Improvement Project to the San Joaquin Council of Government’s One Voice Program.

No discussion was necessary as elected leaders opted to include the City’s top priority project among the SJCOG list for the 2026 One Voice Program in Washington DC scheduled May 5-6.

This advocacy program is where the SJCOG delegation meets with federal lawmakers and agency officials in an effort to promote regional projects while seeking federal funding.

Lathrop is planning a Diverging Diamond Interchange at Louise Avenue and the Interstate 5 interchange on / off-ramps – this is one will be similar to that at the Manteca Highway 120 bypass at Union Road only “at-grade.”

While the Union Road DDI is elevated, the one at Louise Avenue will use the existing underneath the freeway structure only changing the pattern. Included would be the widening of Louise Avenue, with the roadway crossing in and out at two sections of the interchange on / off ramps.

This hope for this compact DDI interchange design would be to improve the flow of traffic and reduce delays.

Bicycle and pedestrian accessibility along with improved sidewalks are also part of the plans.

The City of Lathrop will look pursue part of the total cost – the $48.25 million listed includes the design, right-of-way, and construction phases – and is finalizing the environmental review phase as required by the SJCOG One Voice project criteria.