An $11.2 million project designed to improve traffic movement and create safer travel conditions in Lodi near State Route 99 and the Turner Road interchange was completed last week. 

Officials said the project consisted of a new roundabout at South Cherokee Lane, the lengthening of the southbound state route 99 off-ramp at Turner Road, and a new traffic signal at the Pioneer Drive/Cherokee Lane on-ramp intersection. 

Additionally, new overhead and in-pavement lighting, bike lanes and sidewalks to promote safe and more options for pedestrians and bicyclists was included. 

“This important project helps improve the safe movement of traffic and increases accessibility for all users with the construction of this new interchange, roundabout, sidewalks and bike paths that now make it possible to travel north on Cherokee Lane to reach Turner Road,” Caltrans District 10 Director Dennis T. Agar said. “The State Route 99 at Turner Road Interchange not only welcomes southbound motorists to the city of Lodi but is also a vital route for commuters, tourists and the movement of commercial and agricultural products.”

The roadway to traffic will open on Dec. 14.

Caltrans, the City of Lodi and San Joaquin Council of Governments made the announcement on the project completion and said it was made possible by a combination of funding sources such as Local Partnership Program, the Highway Improvement Program, Measure K, and R Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

According to a press release from Caltrans, the effort was also made possible by $4.7 million in Senate Bill 1 funds. 

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.