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Caltrans lays out multi-year plan for roundabouts, pavement upgrades affecting Los Banos
Summary
Caltrans–backed projects in Merced County include multiple roundabouts and large pavement projects — a $34.8 million Highway 152 repave, a $28.1 million Highway 165 upgrade, several roundabouts and a $94.8 million I‑5 rehab — with construction staged from 2026 through 2032 and planned work intended to preserve four-lane traffic during dam-raising operations.
Caltrans and city staff presented a multi-year transportation update to the Los Banos City Council on Aug. 5, outlining a series of major projects that will affect travel and commerce in and around the city.
City officials said work includes a $6,000,000 Vineyard/Dove Street roundabout (design/construction slated for 2027–2028), a $34,800,000 repaving of Highway 152 (construction scheduled to begin fall 2027), and a $28,100,000 pavement and pedestrian project on Highway 165 (planned for 2029–2031). Staff also described a $6,200,000 safety project at 165/Wilmot, an $18,200,000 roundabout at Highway 152 and Volta Road to reduce broadside collisions, and a $10,000,000 roundabout at 140/165. A large I‑5 rehabilitation, estimated at $94,800,000, is planned to start in summer 2029 and continue through 2032.
“The 152 project was delayed due to property acquisition issues, but when it arrives it will include bike lanes, new sidewalks and smoother ADA-compliant driveway approaches,” the mayor said, summarizing staff remarks. Council and staff noted that PG&E utility relocations and staging for dam-raising work require careful scheduling; staff said traffic control plans will attempt to preserve four travel lanes on 152 by temporarily converting medians to travel lanes during construction.
Residents raised operational complaints during public comment. Tom Kalchin urged Caltrans to refine signal timing on Highway 152, saying current timing creates unnecessary waits at crosswalks and that vehicle detectors used in other communities are not being used in Los Banos. City staff said they are pressing Caltrans on timing and coordination.
Council members and staff emphasized the projects’ safety goals and longer-term benefits, including improved drainage along I‑5 and active-transportation facilities that add protected bike lanes and pedestrian amenities. Construction schedules and funding sources vary by project; staff described mixes of state funding and Caltrans-led delivery for the larger highway projects.
