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Temporary Road Closure: May 13–15, 2026 

Hills Ferry Road/River Road will be temporarily closed from Wednesday, May 13, to Friday, May 15, 2026, to let the contractor finish the final work on the new Hills Ferry Road Bridge. During this period, crews will complete paving, striping, and other final adjustments to ready the bridge for traffic. After the work is finished, traffic will be redirected to the new bridge. 

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Detour Route 

 During the closure, drivers will be detoured via Kelley Road to Turner Avenue to Central Avenue to August Road, then Hogin Road to Crows Landing Road, and River Road back to Hills Ferry Road.

 

Detour signs will be posted along the route to help guide drivers. Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time during the closure period. 

Hills Ferry Road Bridge Replacement Project

The Stanislaus County Department of Public Works, in partnership with Merced County, Caltrans, and the Federal Highway Administration, is replacing the Hills Ferry Road Bridge over the San Joaquin River, which connects Interstate 5 and US Highway 99 between Patterson and Los Banos.

Have questions or concerns? Please call our project hotline at 209-703-5873 or email hillsferryproject@gmail.com

Project Background

The River Road Bridge, built in 1961, needs replacement due to structural weaknesses, safety concerns, and seismic risks. It is classified as "scour critical," indicating significant erosion of its foundation. This vital east-west connection between Interstate 5 and Highway 99 carries thousands of vehicles daily but features narrow lanes and an outdated design that poses safety hazards. In 2020, emergency repairs were necessary due to erosion, highlighting the urgent need for a long-term replacement to ensure safety and reliability.

Project Scope

The River Road Bridge replacement will construct a 750-foot, five-span bridge with better alignment and wider lanes for improved safety and traffic flow. It will feature two 12-foot lanes with 4-to-6-foot shoulders, accommodating all vehicles, including emergency services and trucks. Built north of the existing bridge, it allows traffic to continue using the current bridge during construction. Upgraded approach roads will improve connectivity, while seismic-resistant design and erosion control will ensure durability. The project meets environmental standards (CEQA & NEPA) with bioswales for runoff treatment and bank stabilization. Once complete, the old bridge will be dismantled, leaving a clean transition to the new infrastructure.

Benefits to the Community

Enhanced safety for daily commuters

Enhanced safety for daily commuters

Maintained vital transportation link between I-5 and US-99

Timeline

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Project Updates

Construction Schedule May 2026

​* Schedule subject to change 

 

 Crews will pave the first section of road ahead of a weekend closure of Hills Ferry Road, anticipated in late May, to tie everything together. After that, the new bridge is expected to open to traffic.

Updates - May 2026

Live Cameras

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