Slow lanes, rows of cars and frustrated commuters are what can be imagined when the familiar “Road Work Ahead” neon orange signs begin to appear on the side of the freeway.
In past months, the neon orange signs have made their way closer to campus and nearby surrounding areas.
The San Bernardino I-10 freeway’s Kellogg Drive on and off-ramps will soon be closing for Caltrans’ carpool lanes expansion plan.
Last month, an email notification from Danielle Manning, vice president for administrative affairs and chief financial officer, delivered the news to the campus community.
The notice laid out information about Caltrans’ anticipated and much-needed high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes that would-be part of the I-10 freeway traffic release plan. The plan said road work is to be expected later this spring and into the summer with some construction leading into fall.
Caltrans’ initiative will address the issue of traffic with carpool lane additions in some particularly congested areas of San Bernardino I-10, San Gabriel River I-605 and the Orange State Route SR-57.
Jim Medina, public information officer for Caltrans district 7, said some of the freeway closures due to the HOV lane expansion plan have already begun.
“Work is being developed from midnight to 5 a.m.,” Medina said. “Lane and ramp closures are generally planned for off-peak hours, but there may be some occasional exceptions.”
Medina explained that recent rainfall has also caused multiple delays and cancellations of off-peak development, causing rescheduled freeway construction.
Caltrans divided the construction plan into three segments that will distribute the areas of production by zones.
Medina said that the Kellogg Drive ramp is part of segment 3, which began on Citrus Street in West Covina in spring of 2016 and is anticipated to be completed during the summer of 2021.
All construction announcements will be posted online at Quickmap.gov so people can get the most updated notifications, which will also be shared via Twitter @CaltransDist7, Medina said.
Although a date for Kellogg Drive closures is yet to be released, Tim Lynch, associate vice president for Strategic Communications, has been informed of an estimated length of the closure.
“The I-10 westbound Kellogg off-ramp onto campus is expected to be closed for just one week,” Lynch said. “Sometime after the end of the spring semester, the university will provide more information once the closure date has been firmed up.”
In preparation for campus traffic, Lynch shared some alternate routes for commuters.
Lynch added that when Caltrans releases production dates and further details, the university will inform the campus community via email and the CPP’s The Compass website will be updated.
Being extra cautious is recommended for commuters and road workers during all construction.
Medina advised commuters to be aware of closures and the times, mapping out alternative routes to get to and from the destination of commute and always allowing spare time to avoid incidents.
“Do not cut through restricted areas where workers are working,” Medina said. “Safety is the priority for all involved. Slow down and be mindful of your surroundings”
Additional information about the project can be found by visiting dot.ca.gov District 7- Projects.
Alternative routes
- Take Temple Avenue west and turn right on Grand Avenue. Drive north to the I-10.
- Take Kellogg Drive to East Campus Drive. Turn left onto South Campus Drive and make another left on Ridgeway Street. Turn left to get on the westbound I-10.
- Take Temple Avenue east to the CA-57. Turn right to merge on to CA-57 northbound and take the first exit for the I-10 westbound.