Caltrans celebrates its 50th anniversary in July with the most complex of highway systems

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Fifty years ago this month, the State of California established a new Department of Transportation to unify a wide range of transportation functions under a single entity. Since July 1973, the department has managed one of the most complex transportation systems in the nation and helped play a vital role in creating the world’s fourth largest economy.

Five decades later, Caltrans continues its mission to deliver a best-in-class experience for all Californians, regardless of the mode of travel they choose.

See the Caltrans 50th Anniversary Video to highlight Caltrans Golden Anniversary by visiting https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EJMyS3iFgxc.

Additionally, to honor the milestone, Caltrans has released an updated history page on its official website. This new content traces the state’s transportation roots from 1895 when the Bureau of Highways was formed and chronicles key developments and noteworthy projects spanning to the present day.

Hemet project

Meanwhile, Caltrans announced that the date it will begin work on a $51.6 million corridor improvement project on State Route 74 (SR-74) in Hemet has yet to be determined. Weather and traffic may be considered.

This project is set to repave and rehabilitate 49 lane miles, install Traffic Management Systems (TMS), upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to ADA standards (Americans with Disabilities Act), enhance bike lane signage and striping, and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters. Weather permitting.

San Jacinto project

Caltrans may still have a few last things to complete on the $4 million safety project placing the median concrete barriers and rumble strips on State Route 79 (Florida Ave.) because of some material delays. The remaining work, as the material arrives, may require intermittent inside and outside (alternating) lane and shoulder closures, in both directions for the safety of the crews. At least one lane will always remain open in each direction at all times during work hours. Use caution. CHP will be on sight to assist with traffic safety.

Idyllwild project

Caltrans continues work on a $470,000 emergency project to rehabilitate and repave State Route 243 (SR-243) in Idyllwild within the boundaries of Mount Jacinto State Park. Weather permitting. Work will be taking place on SR-243 from just south of North Circle Drive to just north of Pine Crest Ave. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews will be paving the roadway and replacing the pavement delineator markers and striping.

Slow down and be cautious as work progresses.

Riverside County bridges

Caltrans beginning in September announced it will begin work on a $3.7 million bridge upgrade project on State Route 74 (SR-

Caltrans has released an updated history page on its official website in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This new content traces the state’s transportation roots from 1895 when the Bureau of Highways was formed and chronicles key developments and noteworthy projects spanning to the present day.

PALA – The Pala Band of Mission Indians announced that the United States Senate passed H.R. 423, the Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023, by unanimous consent.

H.R. 423, introduced by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., places approximately 721 acres of sacred land the Pala Band of Mission Indians currently owns into trust.

“On behalf of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, we thank Congressman Issa, Sen. Padilla, Sen. Feinstein and their colleagues for supporting this very important piece of legislation,” Chair Robert Smith of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, said. “With the passage of this legislation, our ancestral grounds, which are central to our spiritual and cultural traditions, will be forever protected as part of the Pala Reservation.” overlay, replacement of joint seals on the bridges, and repair/ replace approach slabs. Work will take place in multiple locations in and near the cities of Riverside, Beaumont, San Jacinto, Perris, Hemet, Palm Springs and various unincorporated areas.

An earlier version of the Land Transfer Act was first introduced in 2021.

H.R. 423 now heads to the president for signature.

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe whose reservation is located along the Palomar Mountain range approximately 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The majority of the over 900 tribal members live on the 12,000-acre reservation, established for Cupeño and Luiseño Indians, who consider themselves to be one people. Submitted by Pala Band of Mission Indians.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. One-way traffic control with flagging operations will be in effect at each end of the bridge locations throughout the duration of the project. There will be intermittent traffic breaks with expected delays of 15 to 20 minutes during the construction process.

Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com

Valley News/Courtesy photo 74), State Route 79 (SR79), State Route 86 (SR-86), State Route 111 (SR-111), State Route 243 (SR243), and Interstate 10 (I-10). This project will take place in various locations throughout Riverside County. The project was awarded to Truesdell Corporation,Inc. The project will include concrete

RivCoParks celebrates National Park and Recreation Month

RIVERSIDE COUNTY –July is celebrated as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month and California’s Parks Make Life Better! Month. Park and Recreation/Parks Make Life Better! Month specifically highlights the essential and powerful role local and regional park and recreation professionals such as the staff at Riverside County Regional Park and OpenSpace District – play in building stronger, vibrant and more resilient communities. This July, RivCoParks will celebrate the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering growth in our communities.

RivCoParks will present a variety of activities that increase equity in Riverside County.

“Parks and open spaces have long been recognized as safe places community members may gather, play and connect with nature – growing community and fostering a better quality of life.

RivCoParks is proud to offer a wide variety of regional parks, trails, historical sites and nature centers that welcome community members of all ages and abilities. Together, we honor Park and Recreation Month and reinforce how Parks Make Life Better in Riverside County and beyond,” Kyla Brown, general manager and parks director for Riverside County, said.

RivCoParks is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and identities to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and environmental resilience, as well as bring the community closer through a variety of programs and services. RivCoParks offers a variety of regional parks and open spaces for camping reservations and/or visits. Learn more about the exciting Park and Recreation Month activities planned for Riverside County at http://rivcoparks.org. For more information about the NRPA’s National Park and Recreation Month, please visit http://nrpa. org/July. Submitted by Riverside County.