TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: Caltrans begins traffic relief improvements on I-10

Caltrans District 8 announced Friday it has begun implementing a variety of traffic control measures to help alleviate congestion on I-10 between Beaumont and Blythe, Calif. The agency hopes the improvements will avoid major traffic incidents like the one on Feb. 12, 2012 that left some motorists stranded for seven hours.

Crews have already installed 61 vehicle detection systems along the entire 133-mile stretch of I-10 in question, along with a series of changeable message signs to relay information to drivers. The total cost of both measures was just over $2.1 million.

The second part of Caltrans’ effort will focus on the 19-mile stretch of I-10 through the San Gorgonio Pass, where new frontage roads will be constructed to allow motorists to exit the interstate sooner in the event of a closure.  

Both projects are part of the Interstate 10 Lifeline Emergency Action Plan directed by Riverside County officials.