STAFF REPORTS
Just over four miles of carpool lanes are being built on the I-10 freeway. (Photo Courtesy: California Department of Transportation)
SGV – The Interstate 10 Freeway always seems to be jam-packed, and one area in particular will see more congestion before it gets better…but it will hopefully be worth the wait.
Construction of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lane, as well as the widening of bridges and ramp realignments along the I-10 in both directions between Puente Avenue and Citrus Street in the areas of West Covina and Baldwin Park, is now underway. This roadway carries a substantial amount of traffic, and the anticipated 4.1 miles of carpool lane is designed to add more capacity and improve traffic flow.
According to the California Department of Transportation, this is the second of three projects that will ultimately provide one continuous HOV lane from downtown Los Angeles to San Bernardino County.
This $193 million project will not only increase capacity, but will also help to reduce congestion by encouraging carpooling, thereby reducing energy consumption and helping to improve air quality. Sound walls will also be constructed to help mitigate traffic noise at various locations, which will help improve the quality of life for residents currently affected.
Construction, which began in June, is currently active near West Covina Parkway and Azusa Avenue. This project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2019. Visit http://www.dot.ca.gov for updates of any roadway closures during construction.
