What was billed for years as the world’s longest left-turn lane
became a thing of the past this morning when the long-awaited
”
flyover
”
ramp from northbound U.S. 101 to San Miguel Canyon Road
opened.
What was billed for years as the world’s longest left-turn lane became a thing of the past this morning when the long-awaited “flyover” ramp from northbound U.S. 101 to San Miguel Canyon Road opened.
The remainder of the San Miguel Canyon Interchange Project is scheduled to open Jan. 21. It will add a “loop” on-ramp to the highway’s northbound lanes as well as improvements to the existing on-ramp from San Miguel Canyon Road to southbound U.S. 101.
The $8.5 million project – the largest Caltrans project in Monterey County in 20 years – was designed to eliminate the infamous one-third-mile-long left turn lane from U.S. 101 onto San Miguel Canyon Road.
Before the project began in December 2000, the accident rate at the intersection was higher than the state average, Caltrans officials said.
As the “flyover” ramp opens, the Lavender Lane detour closes, allowing completion of the southbound off-ramp from 101 to San Miguel Canyon Road. Signs will direct motorists to exit at Prunedale North Road to access San Miguel Canyon while traveling southbound.
The public is invited to a grand opening ceremony Thursday, Jan. 30 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Prunedale Shopping Center. State and local officials are scheduled to attend and guided tours will be given.
For more information on the project, call the Caltrans information line at (800) 810-7112 or go to www.sanmiguel156.com.
