Supervisors put money toward traffic projects
In a push to secure more than $65 million in state funding, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors pledged $25 million today for three construction projects expected to reduce traffic congestion in Fontana and Devore
.
A sizeable portion of the money will go toward projects to revamp two interchanges in Fontana that have received "F" ratings from Caltrans, according to a statement from supervisiors' Chairman Paul Biane's office.
One project, the $54.5 million Citrus Interchange Reconstruction Project in Fontana, would replace the four-lane Citrus Avenue bridge over the 10 Freeway with a seven-lane bridge.
The project would also widen the bridge over the railroad tracks south of the interchange.
Money from the state's Trade Corridors Improvement Funds could pay for nearly half of the project's cost, according to a county report. The city of Fontana could contribute more than $20 million for the project.
The second project, the Cherry Interchange Reconstruction Project, is expected to cost substantially more than the Citrus Avenue project.
The estimated $76.9 million project would replace a five-lane bridge over the 10 Freeway with an eight-lane bridge, according to a county report. The width of the bridge over the railroad tracks south of the interchange would also be doubled to eight lanes from four lanes.
More than $30 million has been approved in state money for the project. The county could chip in an estimated $17.4 million, with the city of Fontana contributing nearly $10 million.
Additional money could also come from Measure I funding, a sales-tax measure that provides funding for county transportation projects.
The supervisors also pledged money to build a $26.8 million grade separation on Glen Helen Parkway in Devore. It would consist of a bridge spanning the railroad tracks that parallel Cajon Wash, an area prone to flooding.
The county's estimated share of the project is approximately $7.5 million. Another $7.2 million will come from the state, with about $12.2 million coming from Measure I, according to a county report.
Construction on the Glen Helen grade separation could begin in November 2010 and construction on the interchanges could start in August 2011, said Brendon Biggs, the county's chief of transportation planning.
- lauren.mcsherry@inlandnewspapers.com
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