SANTA NELLA, Calif. — The Merced County Board of Supervisors has approved the acquisition of property rights needed to move forward with a major intersection improvement project at State Route 33 and Henry Miller Avenue.

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the board authorized the purchase of permanent and temporary construction easements from GAK, Inc. for $79,088, plus escrow and transaction fees. The property, located on State Highway 33 (APN: 373-061-005), will be used to facilitate the State Route 33 at Henry Miller Avenue Intersection Improvement Project.

The project site is approximately 1,000 feet south of the Interstate 5/SR 33 interchange in the community of Santa Nella. Planned improvements include installation of a traffic signal system, pavement widening, new curb ramps and sidewalks, drainage upgrades, and utility relocations.

According to county officials, the redesigned intersection will retain the existing number of through lanes while adding dedicated left-turn lanes on both the northbound and southbound SR 33 approaches. Pedestrian crosswalks will be installed on all four sides of the intersection to improve safety and accessibility.

Funding for the project is included in the county’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget under Public Works. No staffing impacts are anticipated as a result of the board’s action.

The board also adopted a resolution accepting the easement deed from GAK, Inc., finalizing the property transfer needed to begin construction.