Improvements to come to Hwy 33 in Firebaugh

FIREBAUGH, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Improvements are coming to Highway 33 in Firebaugh due to the rehabilitation project in the city, which is set to begin on Sunday, the California Department of Transportation and Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc., announced.

According to Caltrans, the work for this project will begin on May 12 and is expected to end in late December 2024. The work will be scheduled overnight between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Duration of the project may continue for a longer time, if necessary, due to delays caused by weather or uncontrollable events that may occur, Caltrans officials say.

The project proposes to reconstruct the existing pavement and median, as well as upgrade curb ramps for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, upgrade the signal and lighting at the intersection of 13th Street, and add intersection lighting at Morris Kyle Drive, Saipan Avenue, as well as Clyde Fannon Drive intersections, according to Caltrans.

The project, Caltrans says, proposes to remove asphalt concrete, apply surface treatment on the Poso Canal bridge deck, upgrade the guardrail at the Poso Canal bridge on the southbound approach, upgrade all drainage inlets, and upgrade Transportation Management System elements.

Caltrans says the condition of the asphalt pavement within the project limits has deteriorated due to surface pavement failure, which is the presence of alligator cracks and rutting. Officials say it has resulted in increasing cost of maintaining the existing pavement and the inability of state forces to continually maintain this section of highway in good condition for drivers.

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