In the mid-1990’s, I served on the Citizens’ Transportation Advisory Committee for the Stanislaus Area Association of Governments, currently called the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG). After each meeting, I would corner Dana Cowell, the Caltrans representative appointed to attend our monthly meetings. I always had questions for Mr. Cowell. Very knowledgeable, he patiently answered each one. After one meeting, we discussed Route 132, west of Modesto. I asked Mr. Cowell why a […]
Highway 132 and Caltrans
Valley Winners and Losers in Gas Tax
News Item: On April 6, California’s State Legislature Increases Taxes by $5.2 Billion per year through increases on gas tax and vehicle registration. The twelve cent higher gas tax was pushed through rapidly, before opposition could be mounted. In the long run, the additional money is expected to result in great overall economic benefit to the state. Some citizens will benefit more than others. In theory, everyone in the Valley wins. Every road in […]
Pay for 132 and Almonds Too
During the first week of March this year, laborers planted almond trees in the right of way of the future 132 Freeway/Expressway near Morse and Kansas Avenues. The new trees are almost completely hidden by tall weeds. Caltrans announced in January 2017 that the new road would be completed by 2020. The almond trees will have to be removed first—after Caltrans pays top dollar for them. Meanwhile, Caltrans says it doesn’t have […]
Caltrans to Update 132 Freeway Project
News Item: Caltrans has announced that on Monday, August 18, a public meeting will be held to discuss current plans and timetable for phase one construction of the 132 West Freeway project. The meeting will be held at the King-Kennedy Memorial Center, 601 North Martin Luther King Junior Drive, in Modesto, from 6:30 to 8:00pm. On July 31, 2014, the Project Implementation Plan Committee (PIP) for Highway 132 met to […]