Caltrans urges drivers to please ‘Be Work Zone Alert’

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Caltrans dignitaries, employees, families and friends recently gathered at the State Capitol for a Workers Memorial to honor the memory of 191 roadway workers who have died in the line of duty since 1921 with an emphasis for travelers to drive safely through work zones.

Ali Shabazz and Quanda McGadney, two Caltrans employees who tragically lost their lives while working in 2022, were commemorated at the event.

McGadney, a 51-year-old Caltrans landscape maintenance worker from Vallejo, was killed after being struck by an impaired, hit-and-run driver on the morning of June 3, 2022, while working along Interstate 80 near Vacaville. She is survived by her daughter, Nairobi, and her sisters, Priscilla Stevenson and Candice McGadney.

Shabazz, a Caltrans civil engineer from Fresno, was killed on duty after his vehicle was struck late on the night of August 7, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Nia, and their eight children.

Caltrans reminds southwest Riverside drivers to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Move Over” when they see flashing amber lights ahead, or slow down if not safe to change lanes.

Caltrans

Caltrans is continuing work on a $5.5 million project to construct and upgrade curb ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standards and modify signal and lighting systems on State Route 111 in Palm Springs. Crews continue work at various locations on SR-111 from Lawrence Crossley Road to West Gateway Drive. A minimum of one lane will be open in each direction at all times.

Caltrans also continues work on the $4 million safety project to construct a median concrete barrier and rumble strips on State Route 79 near San Jacinto, weather and temperature dependent. Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., crews will be working on asphalt removal on the shoulders, layout and preparation for replacement and installation of guardrail and vegetation control throughout the construction zone. Use caution. Other work will take place in the center median behind the k-rail. CHP will be on site to assist with traffic safety.

Caltrans is still working on Hemet’s $1.3 million safety project on State Route 79 in the City of Hemet. The project will modify and upgrade a traffic signal, reconstruct and upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways to current ADA standards at the intersection of E. Latham Ave. and SR-79. Crews continue excavating, removing and pouring concrete. Temporary pedestrian access will be provided as field conditions allow. Use caution in and around the construction zone. Hours of operation and potential impacts to commuters and pedestrians will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Banning, Caltrans is working on a $2 million project to rehabilitate existing planting, landscaping, upgrade of irrigation facilities to current water efficient technology and provide erosion control on Interstate 10 at 8th Street. Crews continue working on landscaping and irrigation facilities in and near the I-10 from .25 miles west of 8th Street to South San Gorgonio Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Menifee

Menifee’s Holland Road Capital Improvement Project is performing work between Hanover Lane and Antelope Road that will remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to last 17 months. There will also be alternating lane closures on the I-215 freeway from Newport Road to Scott Road during the week of Monday, May 1 with one lane remaining open as work is being completed. For additional information and to sign up for project updates, please visit www. hollandoverpass.com.

In other projects, there will be work on Valley Blvd. between McCall Blvd. and Ridgemoor Street as the developer of Cimarron Ridge continues installing underground improvements in the area. Valley Blvd. will be subject to lane closures during this work and traffic delays should be expected in the area through mid-May.

Menifee Road Capital Improvement Project paving work between Holland Road and Camino Cristal is now in progress. Paving and striping work is expected to be completed soon.

Southern California Edison is trenching new power lines along Menifee Road, from Newport to Holland roads. Work is currently active during daytime and nighttime hours at the intersection. Traffic control will be in place during project work. Message boards containing contact information for the project will also be placed in the project area. Work in this area is expected to continue through the end of April.

McCall Square Traffic Signal median and landscape improvements continue at McCall Boulevard and Ranch Road as part of the project. The construction schedule for this project has been extended and is now expected to be fully completed by June 30.

Intermittent traffic control will remain in place for the duration of the project.

SoCal Gas Company continues the installation of new pipeline infrastructure in the vicinity of Evans Road and Lazy Creek Road. Lane closures will remain in place for the next several months to support the project. The company has completed work on Matthews Road. Traffic control has been removed and the road is now open