Dramatic changes are on the way to Live Oak in coming years, after a $10 million federal grant was awarded, covering the lion’s share of planned major improvements to State Route 99.
Similar to recent work in Marysville, the $17 million initial phase will widen parts of the highway, add a continuous left turn lane, sidewalks and street trees.
Crosswalks will be redesigned to improve visibility and the speed limit will be reduced in the downtown core. Congressman John Garamendi, who represents the area, lobbied Transportation Secretary Anthony Fox on behalf of the city’s grant application.
Garamendi was on hand, along with local officials Wednesday as the funding was officially announced. Caltrans and local funding will pay for the balance of the project. Work is expected to get underway in 2020. An additional $4 million will be needed to complete future phases.