Caltrans Re-Opens I-5 John Erreca Rest Areas

Caltrans Re-Opens I-5 John Erreca Rest Areas In Merced County

Merced County - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is pleased to announce the reopening of the John Erreca Rest Areas along Interstate 5 (I-5) in Merced County. Caltrans reopened the northbound rest area in August 2025 and pleased to announce the reopening of the southbound rest area on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Caltrans began construction on the rest area project in Spring of 2022, and upon its completion the John Erreca Rest Area now stands as a model for new California highway rest areas. New features like reconstructed comfort stations and upgraded facilities with low-power demand and low-water usage utilities, along with increased capacity for electric vehicle charging stations, make the John Erreca Rest Area one of the most sustainable ever built by Caltrans.

This $30 million project was awarded to Walsh Construction Co. (Concord, CA), with funding secured through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) - Safety Roadside Rest Area Rehabilitation Program. This project will benefit the traveling public, by providing safe, and reliable stopping opportunities for motorists traveling along the I-5 corridor in Merced County.

For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and Build.ca.gov. Caltrans reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo by downloading Caltrans QuickMap app to mobile devices for real-time highway updates.

Motorists should expect 5-to-10-minute delays and use alternate routes whenever possible. All work is scheduled to occur as listed but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment/materials, and construction-related issues.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert. For the latest highway conditions, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov