Caltrans plans to install rumble strips on Highway 243 in two locations, causing potential delays from 20 to 30 minutes up to one hour during the installation work.
This project, on each of the two sections, would last for up to two-and-a-half to three months, depending on the length of the section in which the rumble strips are being installed.
Caltrans is seeking resident input on one of two options for construction scheduled to start in September 2016.
The first is a moving closure with 20- to 30-minute delays (traffic is held, then permitted through). The second option is a full closure with total holds in both directions of up to an hour but the work would be finished in half the time as option one.
The two sections are a 2.8-mile section from Mountain Center to the lower Saunders Meadow Road. The second is a nearly 20-mile section from Marion Ridge Road in Pine Cove to Lincoln Road at the bottom of the Hill in Banning.
Closures would be in effect either from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Because these are commuter routes to and from Idyllwild, Caltrans wants input from residents regarding: either shorter traffic holds for more months (option one) or longer traffic holds for fewer months (option two).
Caltrans also is interested in hearing whether the work should begin at 7 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. or begin at 8 a.m. and last until 5 p.m., and also which section (Mountain Center to Saunders Meadow Road or Pine Cove to Banning) to start first.
Said Caltrans District 8 Chief of Public Affairs Terri Kasinga, “There are no other options such as complete night-time closure.
“Please let the community know to contact Caltrans District 8 Public Affairs at 909-383-4631 to voice their opinions. We’ll take comments until July 1 and then move forward with the contractor on the favored option.”