California transportation officials are kicking off a massive construction project that is expected to result in traffic nightmares for months.
Caltrans has dubbed the project the “60 Swarm” and it officially kicked off on Monday, July 22 on S.R. 60 in the Riverside area.
The project is expected to cause heavy traffic problems. Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga told the LAist drivers should expect “pretty much Carmageddon (2011) and Coronageddon (2016) on steroids.”
The 60 Swarm will consist of two major projects — a paving project on S.R. 60 from Euclid Avenue in Ontario to the 60/91/215 Junction in Riverside — and a second bridge replacement project kicking off in the fall that will involve the Pipeline Avenue, Monte Vista Avenue and Benson Avenue bridge structures.
Preliminary nighttime lane closures started on July 22 from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. and these will continue through the length of the project.
Caltrans describes the more drastic full directional closures:
Caltrans is alerting motorists that full directional closures will begin on SR 60 on July 26, 2019 for a period of fifteen weekends. Eight weekend closures will occur on eastbound SR 60 followed by another seven weekends of closures on westbound SR 60 between Interstate 15 (I-15) and the Junction of 60/91/215. The weekend closures will occur Friday nights through Monday mornings. The closure details are as follows:
*Full closure of eastbound SR 60, including all eastbound on and off ramps, between I-15 and the 60/91/215 Junction in Riverside for eight weekends from Friday nights at 10:00 p.m. to Monday mornings at 5:00 a.m. from July 26 through September 23 (excluding Labor Day weekend). There will be no eastbound access during this closure. Motorists may use the westbound SR 60 to access local on and off ramps.
*Full closure of westbound SR 60, including all westbound on and off ramps, between the 60/91/215 Junction in Riverside to I-15 for seven weekends from Friday nights at 10:00 p.m. to Monday mornings at 5:00 a.m. from September 28 through November 18 (excluding Veteran’s Day). There will be no westbound access during this closure. Motorists may use the eastbound SR 60 to access local on and off ramps.
Detour signage will be in place in advance including information posted on the Caltrans overhead changeable message signs (CMS) along freeways. Motorists are advised to use alternate freeways such as I-10, I-15, SR-210 and SR-91 to avoid the closure and reach your destination. Access to local areas and businesses is available by accessing on and off ramps from the opposite direction of the closure.
Caltrans says that can get more information by calling the Swarm 60 hotline at 833-607-9276.