RivCo Starts Study of Trucks on Highway 74

Riverside County Transportation Department Undergoing Study of Trucks on Highway 74

LA QUINTA – Just days after Assembly Bill 1145, also known as Tristin’s Bill, passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee with bipartisan support, the Riverside County Transportation Department has initiated a similar study to consider possible changes for State Highway 74 along the route from the Coachella Valley floor up to the mountain communities.

Assemblymembers Jeff Gonzalez, R-Indio, and Assemblymember Greg Wallis R-Bermuda Dunes, introduced AB 1145, also known as Tristin’s Bill, a piece of legislation that will initiate a comprehensive safety study of Highway 74 and similar roads throughout California.

The legislation is named in memory of Tristin Bourgeois, a beloved father, son, husband and native of Anza who tragically lost his life on HWY 74 at the age of 27.

Bourgeois, 27, of La Quinta, was pronounced dead at the scene of a three-vehicle collision on Highway 74 near Vista Point in Palm Desert on Oct. 31, 2024, according to a news release from the California Highway Patrol at the time.

Residents have been concerned about the number of trucks traveling along this segment of SH‑74.

SH-74 is a state highway, and this segment is maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). While the state has jurisdiction of the highway and its maintenance, in order to make a determination on truck restrictions, Caltrans considers the recommendations of local authorities, in this case, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

“This is a very important issue. We are talking about life and death,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a statement. “For me, this is also personal. My brother was in an accident as well, but fortunately for our family he survived. Nonetheless, the trauma from that accident had a major impact on our entire family. That is why my heart goes out to the Bourgeois family and it’s time we address Highway 74.”

The study will be coordinated between the county and Caltrans, and take in analysis from trucking industries, affected businesses, community groups and the public. The timeframe to complete this study is approximately nine to 12 months, including time for Caltrans to review and comment.

Perez will reach out to local cities in the Coachella Valley to gather support for any recommendations that come from the study. The Palms to Pines Highway is significant to the region, as it connects the Coachella Valley communities, the mountains and on to the western part of the county.

“This route is used by so many as a way in and out of our Coachella Valley,” Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik, said in a statement. She is also a Commissioner and Past Chair of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, “We just wrapped up the tennis and festival season which shows how critical it is for everyone to have safety as they travel in and out of our valley. It’s very encouraging Supervisor Perez has chosen to work with Caltrans to come to solutions and we look forward to helping because this road is part of our valley.”The local governments’ efforts will likely work in tangent with recent proposed bills by state lawmakers seeking to improve safety on Highway 74.

In January, Caltrans completed the Grind and Pave Emergency project to remove and replace damaged asphalt pavement. Caltrans is planning an over $50 million project, the SR-74 Mill and Overlay Project, to rehabilitate a 47-mile stretch of pavement with additional improvements. That project is scheduled to start in 2028.