Freeway bypass set to connect Banning & Cabazon
The Riverside County Transportation Department is planning to build a bypass road connecting Banning and Cabazon, following a number of collisions that have tied up traffic on Interstate 10.
The road could be used by motorists who otherwise would be stuck on the freeway in the event of a full freeway shutdown.
The department is in the process of finalizing an environmental impact report and deciding which proposed route to use.
“The next step is to start working on the final alternative that has been selected and then start purchasing right of way,” said Patricia Romo, director of transportation.
The project is estimated to cost about $50 million to $60 million and will be paid for with a combination of local, state and federal funds, which have not yet been allocated. Some of the road could be built on land belonging to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Ramos said the department has been working closely with the tribe.
“There’s a couple of large bridges that need to be constructed and then right of way that needs to be purchased, so it is an expensive project,” Romo said.
The road is expected to be built in phases, starting with two lanes and expanding to four.
The department is looking for public input on the environmental impact report and is hosting a public meeting at Banning High School on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the multipurpose room.
JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER @JOEGALLINEWS
