CVV News l June 15, 2023
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, the City of Modesto, Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG), Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA), and San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) celebrated the grand re-opening of the Modesto Transit
Center. For a little over a year, the former Southern Pacific Railroad Depot went through extensive renovation and rehabilitation to provide modern amenities for today’s riding public as well as to support the future transit services from Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) expected to begin in 2026.
The Southern Pacific Depot is a local landmark originally built in 1915 which now serves as the Modesto Transit Center providing motor coach services from StanRTA and Greyhound. In 2017, it was determined that the transit center facility needed rehabilitation and improvements to support the Altamont Corridor Express coming to Modesto. The renovation focused on improving safety, security, and operational functionality. These improvements included lighting, cameras, fencing, and site compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, the project included the repair and restoration of some elements of the historic Southern Pacific
Depot.
“Today is a celebration of Modesto’s rich historical past, vibrant and active present, and a look towards our bright future,” said Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen. “Today’s ribbon cutting is yet another example of all the great things that are happening here and why the City of Modesto is a great place to live, work, and play.”
The Modesto Transit Center has been a transportation and historical landmark for the residents of Stanislaus County. StanRTA currently provides motor coach services for the region and the transit center is a hub of the operations.
“The newly renovated space will provide modern amenities and a comfortable environment that will improve the system and motivate people to make greater use of our public transportation options,” said StanRTA CEO Adam Barth. “Through this improved facility, StanRTA will continue providing safe and dependable transportation services that will allow for residents to make vital trips throughout Stanislaus County and beyond.”
The project was developed in coordination with the City of Modesto, the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG), and operators of the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC).
“Stanislaus Council of Governments has had the opportunity to support its agency partners by playing a major role in allocating funding for the Transit Center. The future of ACE rail extension benefits the 21st-century intermodal transportation in our region thus paving the path to
innovation for transportation to all in Stanislaus County,” said StanCOG Policy Board Chair and Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez.
“We want to congratulate the City of Modesto on its beautiful restoration of the Downtown Transit Center which will be the location of our future ACE station. Bringing rail service to a community takes great partners like the City of Modesto and StanCOG. The revitalized Transit
Center will serve bus and rail riders for generations to come,” said Vice Chair of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, Nancy Young.
Construction on the Modesto Transit Center began in late 2021 with a total project cost of nearly $6 million. The ACE train is expected to begin offing service to the Modesto Transit Center in 2026.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to be Held for Segment III of Campus Parkway
CVV News l July 8, 2022
MERCED—Local officials will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Segment III of the Campus Parkway Project at 9 a.m., July 8, 2022 on the Campus Parkway bridge over Bear Creek.
Representatives from Merced County, the City of Merced, the Merced County Association of Governments, Caltrans, UC Merced, and the State legislature will be on hand to discuss the significance of the project and hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting before an inaugural drive up the completed expressway.
The Campus Parkway Corridor is part of Merced County’s Regional Plan to improve traffic circulation between Highway 99 and the UC Merced campus community.
Segment III extends the four-lane expressway from its current end near Highway 140 all the way to Yosemite Avenue. It includes roundabouts at Olive Avenue and Yosemite Avenue to safety and efficiently move traffic through.
The overall Campus Parkway Corridor project consists of a four-lane divided roadway extending 4.5 miles from the Mission Avenue exit off Highway 99 to Yosemite Avenue. Segment I from Mission Avenue to East Childs Avenue was completed in 2009. Segment II from East Childs Avenue to a ¼ mile past Highway 140 was completed in 2020. The Campus Parkway Corridor project also includes a north/south bike path that extends the length of the expressway. The entire project cost is approximately $100 million. Staff is currently working on a fourth segment of the project to extend Campus Parkway further north and connect it to Bellevue Road.
Campus Parkway is part of the larger “Merced Loop System” that circles the City of Merced and connects surrounding communities. The Merced Loop System is designed to reduce congestion, improve connection to existing highways and stimulate economic development opportunities.
Those attending the July 8 ceremony can enter Campus Parkway from any of the following access points, then drive north to the event on the parkway:
- Mission Avenue exit off Highway 99
- East Gerard Avenue
- East Childs Avenue
- Highway 140
Event signage will be in place and parking will be available along Campus Parkway. Participants are invited to join the inaugural drive up Campus Parkway following the conclusion of the ribbon-cutting. Please see the attached maps for additional details on the location of the event.
