Temporary Road Closure: June 3, 2026
Hills Ferry Road/River Road will be temporarily closed from Wednesday, June 3, for a special event. The bridge will be open the following day.
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connection between Interstate 5 and Highway 99 carries thousands of vehicles daily but features narrow lanes and an outdated design that poses safety hazards.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
Project Updates
Construction Schedule June 2026
* Schedule subject to change
Paving is complete on the new Hills Ferry Road alignment, and the roadway has been successfully connected to the existing road at both transition points. Traffic has now shifted to the new alignment, clearing the way for the next major phase: demolition of the old bridge.
Over the coming month, crews will focus on two key tasks. First, they'll continue demolition work and begin removing the temporary work bridge (known as a trestle) that was used during construction of the new bridge. At the same time, crews will start driving support piles into the riverbed to build a new temporary platform alongside the existing bridge. This platform will give workers the safe access they need to carry out demolition.
Updates - June 2026
Live Cameras
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