BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Bakersfield City Council has awarded a $27.7 million construction contract to Security Paving Company to build a six-lane, 1.2-mile road from Truxtun Avenue to Rosedale Highway.

This project will include bridge structures over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and the future Westside Parkway. It will also include the on - and offramp connections to the future Westside Parkway.

The project is being funded through the State Transportation Improvement Program.

According to the Thomas Roads Improvement Program, in August, the California Transportation Commission authorized $133 million for the construction of phases 1 and 2 of the Westside Parkway. Phase 1 -- Mohawk Street Extension -- is anticipated to begin construction in January 2009.

Phase 2 is expected to begin in mid-2009.

For more information, visit www.bakersfieldfreeways.us.