Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) secured a $25 million federal grant to upgrade approximately four miles of the Madera 41 South Expressway from a 2-lane rural to a 4-lane highway. Google Earth image

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced he has secured a $25 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade approximately four miles of the Madera 41 South Expressway from a 2-lane rural to a 4-lane highway.

The grant will be used to help construct a divided four-lane highway and widen the lateral 6.2 canal crossing near Avenue 15 in Madera County.

Costa has advocated for the project through letters of support and voted to pass the federal budget for fiscal 2022, which made the grant possible.

According to the fact sheet of the “22 Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program Awards,” the estimated future eligible project costs could amount to $94 million.

The project will include several environmental benefits, including new energy-efficient lighting, ways to capture and treat stormwater runoff and use green practices and materials to control erosion.

Upgrades are designed to link commercial, residential and mixed-use development to alternative modes of transportation, like cycling and ride sharing.

“This funding is critical to improving access to some of the fastest-growing communities in Madera County and the San Joaquin Valley,” said Costa. “I am proud to secure this federal grant to widen highway 41, enhance safety and address congestion along this critical transportation artery in our Valley.”