Construction on the Fulkerth Road and Golden State Boulevard intersection will continue for two more weeks, according to the City of Turlock, pushing back the expected reopening date to mid-November.
The busy intersection has been closed since July 31 for major reconstruction, with a project completion date originally planned for mid-September. The revised estimated date when the intersection could be open is Nov. 21, two months behind schedule.
The project includes the installation of dual left turn lanes from all directions, bike lanes and sidewalk, a new traffic signal system with advanced railroad preemption capabilities, intersection lighting improvements, pavement rehabilitation and new traffic striping.
According to the City, the contactor and various sub-contractors have coordinated essential utility and railroad crossing work necessary to prepare for the installation of the new traffic signal and paving work. The critical path to completion of the project is the coordination of all the utility providers and City work in installing storm drain facilities underground. The Turlock Irrigation District has recently completed installing electric conduit underneath both the Golden State Boulevard intersection, as well as the railroad tracks to connect the existing overhead system to provide new underground infrastructure.
“We are disappointed that this critical intersection project is taking longer than anticipated,” said Development Services Director Mike Pitcock. “We want to assure the community that work has continued throughout this project and ask for your patience as this project moves closer to completion and getting the intersection back open without further delay.”
While the detours around the intersection may be annoying for motorists attempting to navigate one of Turlock’s main thoroughfares, for a few local businesses the continued road closure is a financial burden.
Businesses on Fulkerth Road west of N. Golden State Boulevard told the Journal in October they haven’t been impacted by the closure, but the three months of road detours have been a hit for Los Gallos, Mid Valley and Circle J, according to their respective owners.
