Busy Mecca roundabout intersection to get bridge to alleviate traffic

Riverside County supervisors have signed off on a multi-million dollar contract for construction of a bridge at a busy intersection at Hammond Road and 4th Street in Mecca. It's the area's main connection to Highway 111.

"It’s difficult because it gets full, and there’s a lot of traffic," East Valley resident, Carlos said.

He knows all too well what it's like passing through the intersection. It's known to have all different types of vehicles pass through, including big rigs and tractors.

Freight trains also pass through at time, causing gridlock for those trying to get through the intersection.

"You have to wait and sometimes there are emergency vehicles," Carlos said.

Others say it can take 10- 20 minutes as they wait in the roundabout for the train to pass by.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a plan by the Transportation and Land Management Agency to build a 2-lane overpass at the intersection. The $36.5 million contract is intended to improve traffic flow and safety, and will allow vehicles entering and exiting Highway 111 at 4th Street, out of contact with freight trains traveling through.

The project is set to begin this summer and is expected to last for 18 months.