Caltrans says construction on Highway 99 not only for High Speed Rail

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was another busy morning commute in Fresno with people heading off to work.

For the last couple years, Caltrans has been working to realign Highway 99, making space for the High-Speed Rail.

"If it's going to improve our community. It would be better," said Najib Omar, a taxi driver.

For Omar one section of the 99 is a nightmare-- he has been a taxi driver for the last six months. Driving a section of road on the 99 under construction almost every day.

"Sometimes, early in the morning, about 7 o'clock, oh my god, you don't think we are in Fresno anymore. Like we are in the Bay Area, somewhere in the big city because of a lot of traffic."

Drivers will have another year of construction here on Highway 99.

"This is going to be a whole other year for construction? Oh Well like I said, we'll have to wait until the process is over to see what's going on," said Omar.

Caltrans is passed the halfway mark-- and the project is on track to finish by the end of 2018. As for changing traffic patterns, drivers can still expect that and Caltrans is asking people to continue to be cautious.

Caltrans Public Information Officer Sam Yniguez said, "When you have to shift a portion, or a stretch, of highway that is as well traveled as 99, you have to work with traffic and the Caltrans crews."

Some drivers don't mind waiting the year.

"We just ask for the public's patience's and awareness throughout the duration of construction," said Yniguez.

While Caltrans said this realignment will improve your drive. The road is moving to make way for High-Speed Rail.

Their next big project is construction on the Ashlan overpass.