Highway 156 to fully reopen at Mitchell and Union roads

SAN BENITO COUNTY (KION-TV) -- Caltrans announced Wednesday that more progress has been made on the State Route 156 (SR 156) Improvement Project.

They said that full re-opening of Mitchell and Union roads is anticipated by 5 a.m. on December 2, weather permitting.

Caltrans said that the two-month closure that proceeded the road's reopening, allowed for reconstruction of Mitchell Road's intersection so it could be aligned with the new SR 156 expressway.

That project followed October's traffic switch directing travelers onto the new expressway lanes south of the existing SR 156, according to Caltrans.

They said that at least one lane in each direction along the new Highway 156 expressway will remain open while construction continues on the widening project. Travelers are encouraged to slow down and pay attention to road signage with alerts.

Caltrans says that the desired outcome of this 5.2-mile project is to "reduce peak hour traffic congestion and save millions in vehicle operating and accident costs."

To learn more and see project updates, visit Caltrans and the Council of San Benito County Governments (SBCOG)'s website at https://sanbenitocog.org/transportation-updates.