A Superior Court judge has denied a petition by Madera County to halt construction of the planned Marketplace at El Paseo shopping complex in northwest Fresno.

Madera County officials filed paperwork this month to stop the 75-acre project, alleging that city officials were not providing proper oversight of the work site near Highway 99 and Herndon Avenue.

Judge James Petrucelli ruled last week that the county failed to show construction was causing enough harm to justify a work stoppage.

Madera County's suit against the city for approving the project remains to be settled.

El Paseo is scheduled to include several retailers including Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls and Ross.