Transportation Council May Be Forced To Reduce Hwy 108 Bypass Project

Sonora, Ca — A shortfall in funding for the second stage of the Hwy 108 Bypass project will be the focus of this evening´s Tuolumne County Transportation Council meeting.

?We are getting estimates from Caltrans that there are potentially over $10 million in cost overruns,? says Deputy Director Darrin Grossi.

Grossi says members of the Council will discuss ways to downsize the project, which could include reducing the amount of property purchased and changing some grading requirements.

Potential cuts include a westbound off-ramp at Peaceful Oaks Rd. and an eastbound on-ramp at Standard Rd.

Grossi notes that given the state´s budget problems, it would be unlikely to get additional funding from Caltrans. He notes that the project already has a $65 million budget.

Tonight´s meeting will begin at 5pm at the County Administration Center.

Written by BJ Hansen