Work begins on Highway 79 drainage project

Lane closures are planned Monday through Friday along state Route 79 between Beaumont and San Jacinto, where crews will be working on a water diversion project to make the highway safer during storms.

The $3 million 79 Drainage Project will require one lane on both the north- and southbound sides of the highway to be shut down, according to Caltrans.

Work on the southbound side will get underway at 6 a.m. and continue to 5 p.m., while crews will start on the northbound side about 9 a.m. and wrap up about 3 p.m. That schedule will resume Tuesday and again Wednesday, but on Thursday and Friday, all work will be conducted during the overnight hours,
according to Caltrans.

Motorists should be prepared for slow travel on the 79 between First Street in Beaumont and Gilman Springs Road in San Jacinto, officials said.

Water sometimes collects along the seven-mile stretch during storms, causing vehicles to hydroplane, according to Caltrans. The drainage project will involve adding inlets to redirect water out of lanes and into the center median.

Motorists will be advised of lane closures via message signs on the shoulder of the highway.

The project is expected to take at least four months to complete.

More information is available here: www.caltrans8.info .