Construction begins on SR-210/Pepper Avenue interchange in Rialto

Closures are expected Thursday into next week as construction is under way on the new SR-210 interchange with Pepper Avenue in Rialto, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority announced Monday.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 6, 7, and 10-14, Pepper Avenue from north of Terrace Road to Highland Avenue will be fully closed intermittently in both directions. Access to homes on the west side of Pepper Avenue north of Terrace Road will be maintained, according to a SBCTA news release.

As a detour, motorists can use Baseline Rd., Riverside Ave. and Highland Ave. or travel along Baseline Rd., California St. and Highland Ave.

Trucks and big rigs will be detoured along Baseline Rd., Ayala Dr., SR-210 and Highland Ave.

Project features near SR-210 and Pepper Ave will include ramps being built in a tight diamond shape with two lanes per ramp, and work on the eastbound and westbound on-ramps to include carpool lanes and ramp meters.

The interchange project will provide a connection between the recently extended Pepper Avenue and SR-210, offering a new option for commuting through the region, officials said.

The transportation authority is spearheading the project in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation and the city of Rialto.

Work on the interchange will occur in two project phases. Phase 1 includes widening Pepper Avenue to Highland Avenue; building on-ramps and off-ramp; constructing retaining walls beneath the bridge; installing traffic signals; and placing irrigation systems and landscaping.

Phase 2 of the project includes connecting new ramps to the 210 lanes and restriping roadway.

Construction work is estimated to take about one year to complete, SBCTA said, with the new interchange expected to open in mid-2018.

As additional intermittent closures may be necessary in the coming weeks, the transit authority is asking commuters to check SBCTA social media platforms for updates before traveling.

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority can be found on Facebook: /goSBCTA; and on Twitter and Instagram @goSBCTA.

Visit www.gosbcta.com to learn more about the project.