The Gustine Police Department continues to manage the during the construction of the roundabout and sidewalk improvements on Highway 33.

Acting Gustine Police Chief Samuel Joseph detailed the traffic redirection plan aimed at keeping big rigs off Main Street and maintaining safety and efficiency for local residents and businesses.

The Gustine Police Department has implemented a comprehensive traffic redirection plan to ensure smooth traffic flow during construction. “The plan was designed to reroute big rigs away from Main Street to minimize congestion and enhance safety,” said Joseph.

Joseph explained that the alternate routes were selected after thorough consideration of traffic patterns, road capacities, and safety concerns. “We carefully chose these routes to minimize disruptions to the local community and ensure that big rigs can navigate the area efficiently without causing significant traffic congestion,” he said.

When asked about the community’s response to the changes in traffic patterns, Joseph noted that the community has generally responded well. “The major issues are the semi-trucks not obeying the posted signs provided by us and Cal-Trans,” he mentioned. The department is addressing these challenges through increased traffic enforcement and collaboration with the California Highway Patrol.

To ensure the safety and efficiency of redirected traffic, the Gustine Police Department has been conducting extensive traffic enforcement details. “We have been working extensive Traffic Enforcement Details and have even consulted with the CHP to enhance our efforts and ensure compliance with the new traffic routes,” Joseph highlighted. This proactive approach aims to mitigate any potential hazards and maintain smooth traffic flow.

Effective traffic management during construction requires close coordination with various local agencies and construction teams. “We are working with the CHP and the County-Wide Traffic Enforcement Team (Motor-Units) to manage traffic flow effectively,” emphasized Joseph. This collaboration ensures that all parties involved are aligned and working towards the common goal of minimizing disruptions and maintaining safety.

Effective communication is crucial in informing truck drivers and local businesses about the new traffic routes. “We are using posted signs, digital signs, Facebook, and the City of Gustine’s website to keep everyone informed and ensure compliance with the new traffic patterns,” Joseph outlined.

Derry Hardmon, a resident on Main Street, shared his experience: “At first, the noise from the big rigs coming downtown kept me up at night. But since the police started enforcing the new routes better, it’s been much quieter. I’m really thankful for that.”

The issue of traffic during construction was also discussed at the July 16 City Council meeting. Gustine Mayor Pat Nagy, Councilman Jim Bonta, and Councilwoman Sherri Marsigli, along with Joseph, addressed the ongoing concerns.

Nagy highlighted the comparative leniency of Gustine’s fines, stating, “What we charge is nothing compared to what other cities charge where it’s five times to ten times as much charge here. Our fine is $50 while in some areas of the Bay Area they charge up to $500 dollars a fine.”

Councilwoman Marsigli shared her observations, noting, “I witnessed on Main Street two semi-trucks and a cement truck struggling to navigate the area. It’s clear that the new routes are necessary to prevent such issues.”

Councilman Jim Bonta added, "A couple of mornings back, I saw two Merced motorcycle cops posted in town and asked them how the traffic was doing. They shared that they had written five tickets already that morning."

Chief Joseph confirmed these observations, explaining, "What is being shared is correct. What is happening is the amount being paid compared to what they are being paid to haul their loads is worth it to them to take the risk. Risk and Reward is what we call it."

For more information and updates on the construction project and traffic management, please visit the City of Gustine's website and follow their Facebook page.