New section of Highway 99 opens in Merced County

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new section of Highway 99 is now open in the North Valley. The new northbound lanes are part of the $336 million Atwater-Merced Expressway project.

This section replaces the dangerous, fast-lane interchange at Buhach Road. The expressway will eventually connect to Castle Commerce Center and UC Merced.

The opening of the new northbound Highway 99 lanes also marks the final closure of all ramps associated with the old interchange.