By GLENN FREEMAN
(Photo Courtesy: aaroads.com)
Chino – After several years of being on the “wish list” for many local residents, the full connection of Pine Avenue, from Euclid Avenue to the Chino Valley, or 71 Freeway, may be as little as two to three years off.
The road in question heads east from the 71 Freeway through portions of southern Chino Hills and Chino before connecting with Schleisman Road in Eastvale. An interchange at Pine and the 71 is one of the most recently completed components of the freeway. However, to the dismay of many, a “missing link” remains at that junction with an eastern gap that prevents direct freeway access. The next entrance is over a mile and a half away at Euclid/Butterfield Ranch.
According to San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), the agency responsible for regional transportation planning in San Bernardino County, plans are underway to close this gap and widen existing portions of Pine Avenue in the area of Euclid Avenue, from two lanes to four lanes.
SANBAG’s website lists the project as being in the “PS&E” phase (Engineering/Plans, Specifications and Estimates), which they indicate to be completed by spring of 2015.
Though coordinated by SANBAG, the City of Chino is acting as the lead agency on the project.
Jesus Plasencia, Planning Engineer for the City of Chino, stated in an email response that the city “is currently working with its consultant and other stakeholders to obtain environmental clearance for the Project.”
Plasencia says completion of this first phase of environmental clearance is anticipated later this year. However, he says a full timeline on the project is not yet available.
Once completed, the connection would also be helpful for Eastvale residents heading west into Chino Hills and the 71 Freeway. Michele Nissen with the City of Eastvale says that although the city does see the connection as a benefit to its residents, “Eastvale is not in a decision making position, since it is not within the City’s jurisdictional boundary.”
