Sacramento, Sutter and Yuba counties have grown rapidly in the past ten years, with increased congestion and agricultural traffic. Growth forecasts for the Sacramento to Chico corridor indicated that traffic congestion and delays would continue to increase if Highway 70 was not improved.

In September 2010, Caltrans completed the East Nicolaus Bypass in Sutter and Yuba counties. The $81 million project was finished one year ahead of schedule. The project achieved immediate traffic congestion relief for 18,000 daily commuters, and eased goods movement flow. The project creates significant safety improvements for students at Marcum-Illinois Elementary School, by diverting traffic away from the school.

The Highway 70 East Nicolaus Bypass is project that reaches far beyond the roadway in its impact, with economic, environmental and quality of life benefits for the entire region.