HIGHWAY 70/149 HISTORY

1988: Caltrans — then the Department of Transportation — initially had plans to widen both Highway 99 and the Highway 70⁄149 corridor to four lanes.

In 1988, it asked local jurisdictions to pick one route, and in 1990, the 70⁄149 option was selected. A four-lane Highway 70 expressway or freeway was planned, with a bypass east of Marysville. The cost of completion was estimated at $400 million.

2005: Highway 70 bypass dropped by state due to rising costs. Local planners shift to idea of adding additional passing lanes along existing Highway 70.

2006: April — Construction begins on widening Highway 149 to four lanes. Work was supposed to start in 1998, but state budget problems and environmental issues pushed the start date back.

2008: November — Highway 149 widening to four lanes completed at a cost of $139 million. The initial cost estimate had been $41.5 million.

2009: Between Highway 162 and Ophir Road in Oroville, Highway 70 widened to four lanes; stoplights added at Georgia-Pacific Way and Ophir Road. Cost: $19 million.

2013: Highway 70 passing lanes and center left-turn lane added near East Gridley Road south of Oroville. Cost: $19.4 million.

2021: Between Ophir Road and Palermo Road, south of Oroville, Highway 70 passing lanes and center left-turn lane added. Cost: $43 million.

2022: Between Palermo Road and Cox Lane, south of Oroville, Highway 70 passing lanes and center left-turn lane added. Cost: $50 million.

2021: Highway 70 bridge over Simmerly Slough replaced, just north of Marysville. Cost: $84million.

Currently under construction: From East Gridley

Road to the Butte/Yuba county line, Highway 70 passing lanes and center left-turn lane being added, including a new bridge over Honcut Creek. Cost: $67 million. Target completion date: 2024.

From Laurellen Road to the Yuba/Butte county line, north of Marysville: Highway 70passing lanes and center left-turn lane being added. Cost: $148 million. Target completion date: 2024.

Future project: In Marysville from Cemetery Road to 14th Street, Highway 70 widening to five lanes and other improvements. Estimated cost: $115 million. Work scheduled to begin in 2023⁄24 fiscal year and take one or two years to complete. Currently held up by lawsuit.

Total cost: $682.4 million Includes construction, design, right of way purchases, and environmental studies and mitigation.