Car and truck drivers on our local freeways often see overhead lighted traffic signs telling them how long it might take to travel to their destination or to be aware of current weather conditions in addition to other warnings or information.
The California Department of Transportation now will be working to better improve those message signs and other means to aid drivers in the hopes of improving safety and reducing travel times on those freeways that are constantly seeing more traffic congestion..
That 2023 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) program will now be improved thanks to a $5.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide real-time, critical information to drivers by connecting vehicles and roadside equipment with cellular networks.
“Caltrans is poised to lead the future of transportation by pioneering intelligent, technology-driven solutions that make our roads safer and reduce travel times,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Real-time information provided through electronic highway message signs and other means will give drivers the heads-up they need to avoid congestion and have more reliable commutes.”
This funding will build upon Caltrans’ efforts to advance connected vehicle (CV) technology’s safety features, data accuracy, and communication.
Objectives of the project include expanding the accuracy and reach of real-time information messages to drivers; assuring compatibility of various CV hardware and applications; deployment of video analytics at intersections to support pedestrian and cyclist safety; and supporting multiple CV technologies and communications media such as 5G and satellite to ensure all road users benefit.
For more information about California’s transportation investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and build.ca.gov.
Menifee/Murrieta
Caltrans crews on I-215 in Menifee, Sun City and Murrieta will be working on the freeway shoulders during the day until 4 p.m. with some shoulders closed. Work is winding down at the Scott Rd Loop Off-Ramp. Nighttime work is scheduled between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., and will require lane reductions. Night work is scheduled to conclude by Saturday morning. Crews are scheduled to work on both the southbound and northbound directions of I-215.
The project will include improving the road surface, updating shoulder rumble strips, enhance culverts, upgrade guardrails, stabilize slopes, and boost highway worker safety along the stretch near Murrieta, from 1 mile north of Clinton Keith Road to 1 mile north of Newport Road.
This week, construction crews will focus on several key tasks, including landscaping, rock blanket installation, guardrail installation,and other related activities. Shoulder and lane closures may still be in effect on northbound I-215 at the Scott Road Loop Off-Ramp for the rock blanket installation. Nighttime work will include lane reductions on southbound and northbound I-215 within project limits. Additionally, day work will continue on both directions of I-215 between Clinton Keith Road and McCall Boulevard. Commuter access will be maintained, with shoulder closures and lane reductions in effect. Watch for signage alerting motorists of the construction zone. Drivers should anticipate traffic delays and plan accordingly
Hemet
Caltrans work continues on Florida Ave. (SR-74) from Winchester Road to Fairview Avenue. Work includes curb ramp, sidewalk construction, paving and micro trenching. The construction will continue at various locations throughout the project limits. Motorists should be alert for the concrete pours both day and night and one lane reductions in those areas. This work may also require driveway closures.
Other work includes electrical and pothole repairs. Caltrans wants to remind motorists and pedestrians when working on driveways that may have more than one access point, will require closing and directing traffic to other accessible entry points. This is to keep entry access open at all times. Watch for detour signs! Paving operations may obstruct access points along Florida Ave. during the working window.
Pedestrians beware of ongoing ADA curb ramp and sidewalk construction. Please follow indicated signage and watch for safety cones to avoid work areas. Loud noise due to daily work operations may occur. Always reduce speeds near the work zones and the speed limits will be reduced by 10 mph throughout the construction zone.
This extensive construction is not expected to end until next year.
Perris
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is informing the public that construction contractors will soon begin a $27.5 million project in Riverside County. This Roadway Improvement Project, funded by Senate Bill (SB) 1—the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017—aims to refurbish the existing roads with new pavement, enhance safety, and improve accessibility on the well-traveled thoroughfare in Riverside County.
Crews will work along both northbound and southbound Interstate 215 between the San Jacinto River Bridge and Ramona Expressway in the city of Perris.
The work is scheduled to take place until Friday, November 22. Daytime work will occur from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This week, daytime work will include shoulder closures at various locations along both the northbound and southbound I-215, including the interchanges at Nuevo Road., Ramona Expressway, and D Street. Ramp work will be underway at Nuevo Road., and electrical work will also take place at both Nuevo Road and Redlands Ave. operate in flashing mode from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Commuter access will remain open. Drivers should remain attentive to signs notifying them of the construction zone. The work will involve rehabilitating the pavement and upgrading facilities to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. It will also include upgrading the guardrail and enhancing highway worker safety, as well as installing slope stabilization and erosion control measures. Commuter access will be maintained through the duration of the project. Drivers should anticipate traffic delays and plan-ahead.
Caltrans reports no work is scheduled in Aguanga, Aguanga, State Routes 371, 79, 60, and Interstate 15.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
