The four mile expressway is intended to reduce the congestion in the historic communities while preserving historic buildings as well as the cities’ tourism industry. The expressway runs almost parallel to the existing Hwy. 49. The old Highway 49 route will be relinquished when construction activities and work on the two bridges at Amador Creek and Sutter Creek  are completed. The project is part of the Tri-Counties Memorandum Of Understanding in which Amador, Calaveras, and Alpine Counties agreed to pool their Regional Improvement Plan funds to prioritize four State Hwy. Projects. Although the bypass is not expected to open until  mid-December, it will be open to Runners, Walkers, & Bicyclist this weekend only for the 49er By-Pass Run/ Walk event. For more information on this event contact the Amador County Recreation Agency at 257-1764.