Although the project to replace the Hurkey Creek bridge on Highway 74 near Lake Hemet Campground had been slated to start April 20, construction is again delayed.

Terri Kasinga, Caltrans chief of public and legislative affairs, said construction would likely be delayed one more month and is tentatively slated to begin in early June. The most recent delay was caused by a new proposal to create a bypass on the north shoulder of Highway 74, abutting the bridge. “All units here have approved it,” said Kasinga. Creating the 12-foot-wide bypass, projected to cost between $20,000 to $50,000, would allow replacement of both lanes of the bridge at one time, providing overall cost savings and shortening construction duration. Once construction commences in June, traffic in either direction could be delayed up to 15 minutes on average.