Cracking pavement on South Main Street just north of the 120 Bypass has irked motorists for years.

The deteriorating pavement at one of the city’s main entrances not only gives a questionable first impression but it also provides motorists with a rattling ride as if they are passing over a series of small speed bumps.

Once mid-2017 rolls around, the shaking act vehicles do passing over the pavement in front of Wal-Mart should end.

That’s the latest that $3.3 million worth of major street renovation covering two miles is expected to be finished.

Manteca has been able to secure a combined $2.4 million in federal funds toward the improvement of Main Street between Yosemite Avenue and Atherton Drive as well as Yosemite Avenue between Main Street and Cottage Avenue. The balance of the tab will be covered by Measure K sales tax and gas tax revenue.

Public Works Director Mark Houghton noted the project is expected to be ready to move forward next spring but since federal funds are involved it may have to go through a more rigid environmental review. If the review isn’t finished by mid-summer, Houghton told the City Council Tuesday that work wouldn’t start until spring of 2017.

That’s because both improvement projects will be a significant undertaking. The city doesn’t want to tear up two of its major thoroughfares during the rainy season.

The project will entail removing pavement and grinding it up. It also will include some curb and gutter work as well as making sure sidewalks at intersections meet American with Disabilities Act requirements.