RIMOFTHEWORLD.net

Caltrans has begun a 20-day project that will also make changes to the traffic flow on Highway 189 including installation of flashing beacons at both ends of the crosswalk, lighted islands at the crosswalk and improved turning elements.

The first portion of the project will involve electrical work and require the closing of one lane with flagging operations utilized to monitor the traffic flow through the construction zone.

Merchants in Blue Jay will be impacted by a 20-day Caltrans Project on Highway 189 that will extend a two-way left-turn lane through the shopping district. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The contractor will be working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will leave one lane open at all times. Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal.

"We also worked with the Rim of the World Unified School District Transportation Department," Caltrans spokesperson Tim Watkins told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, "because the bus stop located adjacent to the crosswalk involves a lot of students and halting traffic with the red lights flashing on the bus.

Caltrans spokesperson Tim Watkins outlines improvements to Highway 189 in Blue Jay that include flashing beacons at both sides of the crosswalk, lighted islands at the crosswalk and improved turning elements. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"The solution Caltrans chose for the business district," Watkins explained, "is one that most people accept and will now require limited impact on parking spaces.

Watkins outlined the entire project that extends the two-way left-turn lane through the Blue Jay shopping area, provides a lighted pedestrian crossing with raised islands on either side of the street, the flashing beacons to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians and re-seal and stripe Highway 189.

"Street lights will be installed on raised islands," Watkins continued, "and the project will provide a protected area for pedestrians waiting to use the crosswalk.

"Motorists will notice that much of the work will be done outside of the travel way and should be completed in about 20 work days.

"During construction," Watkins concluded, "we urge drivers to be extra alert and to SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE."

For additional information visit http://www.caltrans8.info.

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