Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a $9 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program grant for State Road 132 in Modesto and Stanislaus County. The City of Modesto was notified The Gateway Express (SR132 West Phase 1) Project in Modesto was awarded as a result of the persistent support and efforts from U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), along with City, County, and Stanislaus Council of Government (StanCOG) leaders.
“The city has benefited greatly from having advocates in our nation’s capital who understand the value of efficient transportation in and through the Central Valley. We appreciate our entire California delegation and our hometown Congressman, Jeff Denham, who fought hard for this project,” said Modesto Mayor Ted Brandvold.
The Gateway Express project has been identified by StanCOG as the number one priority regional project, and is the first regional project made possible by the Measure L self-help tax initiative program recently approved by Stanislaus County voters. The $9 million grant will be used to augment other funding sources, such as Measure L, for this first phase of the overall state route 132 expansion program.
Approximately 8.2 million tons of freight per year, or 34,000 tons daily, are currently moved over SR132 to the I-5 corridor. The project will allow for continued growth of Valley agricultural exports. The Gateway Express Project will improve vehicular traffic and circulation around the city and the region, and is the first step in creating a new connector between State Route 99, Interstate 5, and the Bay Area; it is anticipated the improved route will also relieve traffic congestion on State Routes 120 and 205.
About the City of Modesto
In the heart of the California’s Central Valley, the City of Modesto has a population of over 210,000 residents. The City Council’s vision is to build a vibrant infrastructure and sustainable environment; a healthy local economy and great quality of life; effective, responsive, and transparent government; and great safe neighborhoods.