Mokelumne Hill, CA..The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is preparing to begin construction on the State Route 26 (SR-26)/State Route 49 Intersection Control Improvement Project in Calaveras County.Work will include the construction of a single lane roundabout at the intersection of SR-26/49 along with the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) to help monitor live traffic conditions, evaluate roadway operations, and improve response time to traffic incidents.
Alternating lane closures and temporary road closures with traffic detours will be required at various stages of construction for the safety of motorists, roadway workers, and equipment.
Beginning this week, crews will start Phase 1 of construction which includes a long-term full closure of SR-26 from Church Street to SR-49. The full closure of the SR-26/49 intersection (east side) will begin Wednesday, July 29, at 7:00 a.m. scheduled through Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. Traffic detours will be in place along Church Street in addition to temporary stop sign intersections on SR-49 at Church Street, SR-26, and Main Street.
Construction crews will primarily work day shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Phase 1 construction work is scheduled for approximately 15 working days (21 calendar days) – Mondays through Fridays – with completion expected in mid-August 2026. In addition to weekly traffic advisories and roadside message signs will be placed along the highway to alert motorists of scheduled lane closures.
This $4.5 million project was awarded to George Reed, Inc. (Modesto, CA), who will perform the work required. This project will improve traffic safety within the intersection by reducing the severity and number of broadside collisions caused by the failure of motorists to yield to traffic.The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues.
For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and Build.ca.gov.
Caltrans reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo with www.quickmap.dot.ca.gov for real-time highway conditions prior to travel. For your safety and other motorists, please #BeWorkZoneAlert and #MoveOver for highway workers and equipment.
