Traffic Signal Set for Grapefruit Blvd, Ave 62

EASTERN COACHELLA VALLEY — Hoping to make a deadly intersection safer, a traffic signal will replace the four-way stop signs at Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62, Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez announced today.

Stop signs currently control the intersection of Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62. Red flashing beacons atop the signs were added to increase visibility in 2012, a year in which six collisions occurred at the intersection.

Construction and installation of the traffic signal is expected to begin in July. It is anticipated to take approximately three months to complete. The work will be phased to keep the roads open as much as possible during construction. The traffic signal will be installed this summer in a county transportation project.

Over the years, there have been several deadly collisions at the intersection, which borders the Thermal and Mecca communities. Installing a traffic signal at the intersection is expected to improve traffic and pedestrian safety where fatal collisions occurred in 2014 and in 2012, according to Perez.

“This is a much-needed improvement for traffic safety in the eastern Coachella Valley, particularly at this intersection which warrants a traffic signal,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a prepared statement. “We hope the equipment upgrade and physical infrastructure prevents further tragedies from happening at this intersection. That requires drivers to be attentive and drive responsibly so that everyone can arrive to their destinations safely and get home to their families.”

The Grapefruit Boulevard and 62nd Avenue Traffic Signal and Safety Lighting Project will also include installation of safety lighting and curb ramps.

Work will be done by Granite Construction Company. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors awarded the construction company a $996,000 contract in May.

The intersection’s proximity to a major railroad crossing requires improvements to the crossing and signal coordination with the railroad. The total cost of the traffic signal project, which includes design and construction of railroad track improvements, is $3.2 million.