It has been in the works for nearly a decade.
Caltrans Director Michael Navarro has been working on projects in the area for nearly 3 decades and is looking forward to this one, believing it's necessary for the city.
"This project started initially in 2018 and to barely be breaking ground in 2026, is pretty exciting for me," said Michael Navarro, Caltrans District 6 Director.
He hopes the community will also be excited and encouraged to spend more time downtown.
The project has a $31 million price tag between Caltrans and the city.
It will transform a stretch of State Route 145, also known as Yosemite Avenue, with beneficial road improvements.
The downtown area will see additional upgrades from E Street to Fig Street.
"We are looking at doing a road diet, we are adding three roundabouts to the project, two bike lanes, wide sidewalk, decorative lights and a landscaped medium to really transform the downtown," said Navarro.
Geroge Buenrostro has owned a popular Mexican Restaurant, TJs Bar & Grill, for over 30 years and says he's dreamed of a downtown renovation several times.
He was involved in the planning process and is looking forward to the end result.
"All of us business owners are excited for it, it's been a long time coming so we are excited. And the community, we love the community so making it happen it's amazing," said Geroge Buenrostro.
Navarro says including business owners in the process was crucial.
"What this project meant to him literally put tears in some of the commissioners' eyes when we brought them to tour this, so we are really hoping this stimulates the economy in the downtown area and brings even more businesses here," said Navarro.
The project is expected to be complete in 2028.
Navarro is asking anyone who commutes down the impacted area to be patient and mindful of construction workers.
For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.