NEWMAN — A months‑long road rehabilitation project is underway in Newman as part of Stanislaus County’s Measure L transportation program, with construction scheduled from Sept. 14 through Dec. 10 on several heavily traveled neighborhood streets.

The 2026 Measure L Road Rehabilitation Project includes the full reconstruction of L Street between Merced Street and Inyo Avenue, along with pulverizing and repaving L Street, M Street, Tulare Street and Fresno Street between Merced Street and Kern Street. Construction runs daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and city officials said some phases will require temporary road closures. Notices will be sent to residents ahead of each closure.

Measure L, a half‑cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016, funds transportation improvements across Stanislaus County. Newman receives 1.26 percent of all Measure L revenue and typically saves several years’ worth of allocations to complete larger projects rather than smaller, piecemeal repairs. The city does not borrow against Measure L funds, allowing more money to go directly into pavement and infrastructure.

The current project stems from a 2022 public workshop where residents identified several areas in need of rehabilitation. The City Council selected three zones for design and engineering, with the L Street corridor moving forward first. Design work took place from 2023 to 2025, followed by bidding earlier this year.

City officials said the work will improve road quality, drainage and long‑term durability in neighborhoods that have seen significant wear. The project is funded entirely through Measure L, which is overseen by the Stanislaus Council of Governments and monitored by a citizens oversight committee.

The city advises residents to plan for delays, follow posted detours and watch for crews working in active construction zones.