International Parkway to Close for 11 Months Amid Bridge Build

UPDATE: Major traffic disruptions are imminent as a significant section of International Parkway in Tracy, California, is set to close for nearly 11 months starting in October 2025. This closure is necessary due to the construction of a new bridge over the Delta Mendota Canal, a project the Tracy City Council approved last week amid growing concerns over traffic safety and congestion.

The council’s decision comes after city officials, led by City Engineer Even Marcelo, revealed that a previously considered partial closure would have led to “tremendous traffic congestion” and safety hazards. Instead, the full closure aims to expedite the bridge completion, moving the estimated finish date to August 2026, effectively slashing the construction timeline by 50%.

The project, budgeted at $17.8 million, is backed by a federal grant of $8.5 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, provided through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The developer, Prologis, contributed an additional $9.49 million in matching funds. Failure to meet the April 2027 completion deadline would jeopardize this vital funding.

“We believe this approach not only accelerates construction but also reduces risks associated with traffic and safety,” Marcelo stated during the council meeting. The city has coordinated with O.C. Jones & Sons Inc., the contractor overseeing the project, to ensure a smooth transition into the closure.

Businesses within the International Park of Commerce and the Cordes Ranch development will lose direct access to Interstate 205 during the closure. Drivers will be rerouted via Schulte Road, Hansen Road, and Promontory Parkway. Access to Interstate 580 remains unaffected, but officials anticipate significant congestion as commuters adapt to the detour.

To mitigate the impact, the city plans to utilize electronic message boards and direct communications to inform residents and businesses about the upcoming changes. Marcelo noted that the heaviest traffic is expected during the initial weeks of the closure as drivers adjust. “A police presence may be implemented to manage drivers’ behavior,” he added.

The council approved this urgent measure with a unanimous vote of 4-0, ensuring that communication with local businesses remains a priority. The public will have an opportunity to discuss the project and its implications at a future public hearing.

For more information about the project and updates, residents can visit www.cityoftracy.org/departments/departments/public-works-department/public-works-engineering.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical infrastructure project progresses!