State Route 243 Mill and Overlay Pavement Safety Work between Banning and Idyllwild

RIVERSIDE – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues work on a $16.9M pavement safety project on State Route 243 (SR-243). This work is funded through Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

This project will improve road conditions with a pavement mill and overlay, shoulder paving, guardrail enhancements, lighting and sign panel upgrades, storm drainage culvert improvements, and curb ramp upgrades to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to improve access for those with disabilities as part of Complete Streets elements. These elements aim to ensure safe accessibility for all roadway users.

Constructions signs have been placed in the project zone, as well as clearing in shoulder areas and placement of high visibility fencing for environmentally protected areas. Work operations will occur near Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Fern Valley, from the State Route 74 Junction near Mountain Center to Interstate 10 Junction near Banning. Project work is expected to be complete by winter 2026. All work is weather and material dependent.

Several daytime work activities with lane closures and flagging /pilot car operations will continue throughout the week between the hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Night and weekend work may occasionally be required from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for weeknight and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for weekend. Closures are dependent on contractor receiving proper materials for each job function. They can be changed or canceled at any time. Weather permitting.

What to expect:

Expect delays as traffic control will be located at various locations. Approximate flagging wait times per side may take up to 20 minutes. Pilot car may assist the commuters during flagging operations at various locations. Plan-ahead and please be mindful of work area signage as law enforcement will enforce applicable laws and regulations. Please proceed cautiously as work vehicles and crews may move in and out of shoulder areas. Construction schedule subject to material availability and weather conditions

Drivers are reminded to proceed cautiously through the work zone and follow indicated signage for the safety of crews and other drivers. The construction schedule is subject to material and equipment availability and weather conditions.

For questions please reach Robert Tsai

Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state. 

To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire visit the Caltrans District 8 website and sign up for commuter alerts.

For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Public Affairs at 909-383-4631 or TTY 711.

Title VI Information

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) assures that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and Federal Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations).

Caltrans will make every effort to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether they are federally funded or not, and that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people, regardless of race, color, or national origin. In addition, Caltrans will facilitate meaningful participation in the transportation planning process in a nondiscriminatory manner.

• Title VI Brochure (English, PDF)
• Title VI Brochure (Spanish, PDF)
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Caltrans Information)