News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Guardrail Project on Highway 18 Continues Today (Photo Update)

Guardrail Project on Highway 18 Continues Today (Photo Update)

Motorists Can Expect Slight Delays in the Cone Zone

By Michael P. Neufeld
Monday, November 2, 2009

Photo Update - Monday 3:45 a.m.

San Bernardino Mountains, CA - The Caltrans project to install guardrails at 11 different locations along Highway 18 continues this week. Traffic delays are possible in the Cone Zone.

Here is a photo essay of the project this past week.

This large sweeping curve on Highway 18 near Red Rock Wall is the construction site of one of 11 guardrail installation projects. (Photo by Rob H.)

Motorists in the Highway 18 guardrail construction zones should expect short delays. (Photo by Rob H.)

A tractor prepares an area on Highway 18 for installation of guardrail. The project is expected to last about eight weeks, depending on weather. (Photo by Rob H.)

Slow for the Cone Zone on Highway 18 as heavy equipment moves into place to install guardrail at 11 different locations. (Photo by Rob H.)

The weather last week kept the flagman on the Highway 18 guardrail project all bundled up. (Photo by Rob H.)

Original Story

San Bernardino Mountains, CA - A $798,000 Caltrans project to install guardrails at 11 different locations along Highway 18 is now underway.

The project, which was first announced at community meetings in June, began at the junction of Highway 18/138 (Crestline) and will continue to just east of State Route 173 (Lake Arrowhead).

Contractor Hi-Way Safety has begun installing signs on Highway 18 cautioning motorists of upcoming guardrail projects starting Monday, October 26. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Work hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flagging operations (and pilot cars when distance and sight visibility requires) will be used to control traffic in the various construction zones.

Guardrails will be installed at 11 different locations on Highway 18 over the next 50 days, weather permitting. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Caltrans reports it will be a 50-day project but could be subject to weather-related delays.

The California Department of Transportation urges mountain motorists to allow extra time for commuting and to observe advisory signs that will be posted in the project limits.

Spokesperson Darin Cooke explained, "Caltrans would like to thank motorists for their continued patience and support during this improvement project. Caltrans asks that motorist be aware of the construction area and always make a point to SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE. The life you save may be your own!

For additional information on the project and others in District 8, please visit Caltrans or contact the Public Affairs office at (909) 383-4631.

This article was first published on Monday, October 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm. This article has been viewed 3708 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.