Caltrans, the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) and the Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency (NCTPA) broke ground April 4 on the much-anticipated Highway 12 Jameson Canyon Road Widening Project.

“Caltrans is excited that the improvements to Highway 12 sought by residents of this region are now underway,” said Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “The project will reduce congestion and provide jobs for the region.”

The project will widen nearly 6 mi. (9.7 km) of Highway 12 from two to four lanes between the Highway 12 and Highway 29 interchange in Napa County to Red Top Road near Interstate 80 in Solano County. A concrete median barrier will also be constructed along this stretch of the highway.

Highway 12 is a major link between Napa Valley, the Central Valley and the Bay Area. The widening project will make the highway safer while at the same time reducing congestion for more than 36,000 motorists who travel this route daily.

“Caltrans is committed to improving mobility throughout California,” said Caltrans District 4 Director Bijan Sartipi. “This commitment includes partnering with local transportation agencies to provide new solutions for North Bay commuters.”

The $115 million project received $55 million from Proposition 1B, a 2006 voter-approved transportation bond. To date, more than $11 billion of Proposition 1B funds have been distributed statewide.

“This project means improved safety and less time spent in traffic,” said Jack Batchelor Jr., STA Chair. “It translates into additional time families can spend together, improved air quality, and millions of gallons of gasoline that won’t be wasted through idling engines.”

“This segment of Highway 12 has been a concern for years,” added NCTPA’s Paul Price. “Improving safety and reducing congestion along this stretch of the highway will improve the quality of life for all who use Highway 12.”

The project will be constructed in two segments. The Napa County segment is scheduled to be completed in 2013 by San Rafael-based Ghilotti Brothers.

Santa Rosa-based Ghilotti Construction will build the Solano County segment, which is targeted for completion in 2015.

For more information on the project, visit www.dot.ca.gov/dist4.

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