February 2022
The North First Avenue Bridge is located in rural Barstow and serves as a critical lifeline between its residents and essential services. Unfortunately, the bridge is structurally deficient. It currently has a bridge rating of less than 40 of 100, and was recently rated as low as “2” before temporary timber supports were added.
Measure Impact is our latest blog series that highlights current and past projects that have received funding by Measure I – the half-cent sales tax collected throughout San Bernardino County for transportation improvements. San Bernardino County voters first approved the measure in 1989 and in 2004 overwhelmingly approved the extension through 2040. The article below represents the first of the series that can be followed by visiting us on the web and clicking on our News and Events tab.
The Barton Road Interchange Project is one for the books – an engineering masterpiece that, since its completion last year, has significantly improved circulation along one of the busier stretches of the 215 Freeway, reduced congestion on local roads, and created an efficient, safe means for motorists entering or exiting the freeway at Grand Terrace.

The project is also a shining example of your Measure I dollars improving the lives of residents in one of the fastest-growing population and economic centers in California.

First, some background, Measure I is the voter-approved half-cent sales tax collected throughout San Bernardino County for transportation improvements. The Measure was first approved by voters in 1989 and again in 2004, with all revenues administered by SBCTA.
Staff at the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority has initiated a critical next step to advancing the innovative transportation solution of a tunnel connection between the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station and the Ontario International Airport. As part of a call for proposals, the agency has received a number of submittals for the delivery of the Environmental phase of the project. Staff will review and evaluate the proposals to shortlist firms for a final interview. It is anticipated that a recommendation for contract award will be presented to the SBCTA Board of Directors at the April 6, 2022 Board of Directors meeting.
Board and Committee Meetings to Remain Virtual for the Next 30 Days
The SBCTA Board voted at the February Board of Directors Meeting to continue to conduct its public meetings virtually for the next 30 days. This includes all remaining Committee Meetings for February and the Board Meeting in March. At the March Board Meeting, the Board will reassess if it will extend the timeframe in which the meetings are being held virtually or if it returns to an in-person format.

As a reminder, all meeting information can be found on SBCTA website under Meetings & Agendas. Audio recording of the meeting is also made available 24 hours after it is held.
During construction of the new Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge that spans the BNSF rail yard and connects the residents of the west side of San Bernardino to schools, churches, and retail, SBCTA is working with local businesses and the community to encourage shopping local. Throughout the year, the outreach team will be hosting information booths at local shopping centers, to provide project updates, encourage sign-ups to the project database and draw community support around local retail centers, restaurants, shops and services.
SBCTA Director of Project Delivery and Toll Operations, Paula Beauchamp, will be retiring on March 1st after more than 13 years with the agency. Paula served nearly 10 years with Caltrans District 8 before moving to the private sector and then joining SBCTA as a consultant in 2008. She not only has made a significant impact on major projects in the Inland Empire with projects such as State Route 71, Interstate-215, Tippecanoe Interchange, Barton Road Interchange, Citrus, and Cherry Interchanges, and the Devore Interchange Project to name a few, but also has significantly advanced the reputation and credibility of women in transportation as an outstanding role model. In 2017, Paula was recognized by the Inland Empire Chapter of the Women in Transportation Symposium as their Woman of the Year.

We sat down with Paula to have a conversation about her career and what’s next for her. 
As stated in last month’s newsletter, the SR 210 new temporary pattern has officially begun. This temporary traffic pattern, located between Base Line and San Bernardino Avenue, will shift traffic on eastbound SR 210 to the other side of the center median for 2.5 miles, allowing crews to begin pavement rehabilitation activities on the existing eastbound roadway. This configuration will be in place for approximately five months.
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