SR’s 74 and 243 PROJECT UPDATE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ESCORTS ON STATE ROUTE 74

SR’s 74 and 243 PROJECT UPDATE

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ESCORTS ON STATE ROUTE 74

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will provide extended escorts this Memorial Day holiday weekend on State Route 74 (SR-74) from Hemet to Mountain Center, Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27. 

The extended escort hours on SR-74 from Hemet to Mountain Center will take place from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight). During these hours, traffic will be escorted by pilot vehicles in both directions. On Tuesday, May 28 escort times will resume as normal, mornings from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Caltrans is also providing an update on the work schedule for SR’s 74 and 243.  Work on both routes has been delayed due to continuing storm events.  Some of the work that was completed on SR 243 has eroded due to heavy rainfall activity. Water continues to seep from two of the complete washout locations. Heavy fog conditions have also impeded the dirt hauling efforts from SR 74 to SR 243. Additional damage and erosion continue weekly to slopes, culverts and the pavement on both routes.

The current estimate for reopening SR 74 to 24/7 traffic control is at least two (2) months, depending on weather conditions and any additional erosion that may occur. There is no estimate for reopening SR 243 due to the magnitude of repairs that need to take place before safe access is provided to motorists.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Caltrans and Ames Construction staff will be on site to keep motorists and workers safe.  Below are the conditions for the escort:

• The speed limit is 25 miles per hour during the escort.
• Motorists will not be permitted to stop or pull over during the escort.
• Motorists will not be permitted to pass other vehicles during the escort.
• The construction zone on SR-74 between Mountain Center and Borco will be a “DOUBLE FINE ZONE”.
• Sections of SR-74 will have uneven, unpaved roadbed with narrow passage. Be advised that dirt, sand, rock and mud will exist on the SR-74. Low profile vehicles are not recommended.
• No drone, video or photos will be permitted while you are using the escorts.
• Motorists must follow all commands given by the pilot workers, contractor employees, flaggers, Caltrans crews and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
• The escorts can be canceled at any time due to safety concerns for the traveling public such as slope issues, rock fall, roadbed concerns and motorists not following traffic laws or escort provisions.

Travelers will experience delays during the escorts. Ames Construction, Caltrans and the CHP are committed to keeping the public safe while traveling on SR-74. SR 243 remains open to motorists from Idyllwild to Lake Fulmor, however the closure remains in place from Banning to Idyllwild. Caltrans extends its appreciation to motorists and the affected communities for their patience and support as work continues to restore the two routes.