Caltrans Begins $4.2M Emergency Repairs On Highway 111 In RivCo After Tropical Storm Rachel

NORTH SHORE, CA — The California Department of Transportation has begun an estimated $4.2 million emergency repair project along State Route 111 in Riverside County to address roadway and shoulder damage caused by Tropical Storm Rachel.

Last weekend, the storm caused washouts, flooding and debris flows that led to severe erosion, undermined embankments, blocked culverts and drainage inlets, and damaged rock slope protection, guardrails, guardrail end treatments and signs, according to Caltrans.

Due to the extent of the damage, crews initially implemented around-the-clock, one-way traffic control with flaggers to manage vehicles through affected areas.

Weather permitted, temporary Type K railing is scheduled to be installed along the southbound shoulder of SR-111 on Oct. 16, weather permitting. Once the railing is in place, the current flagging operations will be discontinued, allowing crews to transition to daytime repairs, according to Caltrans.

Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. along the highway between Crooker Drive and Vander Veer Road.

The project will include reconstructing washed-out roadbeds and embankments; repairing or replacing drainage systems and asphalt concrete dikes; repairing or replacing rock slope protection; and completing minor concrete repairs.

Crews also will remove storm-related debris, clear drainage basins and areas beneath bridges, stabilize and repair embankments, and repair or replace damaged guardrails and end treatments.

Caltrans said motorists should reduce their speed when approaching work zones to protect construction crews and other drivers. Advance warning signs will be posted to alert motorists to upcoming roadway work, and the California Highway Patrol will assist with traffic control.