Beaumont Traffic: Nearly $100 Million In State Funding Promises To Help Ease The Gridlock

BEAUMONT, CA — Two planned infrastructure projects in Beaumont have now received a significant funding commitment from the state, and on Monday, the city called the multi-million-dollar investment "a game-changer."

The bulk of the funding will go to one of Beaumont’s "highest transportation priorities," according to the city. The Pennsylvania Grade Separation project aims to contend with stalled trains along the Union Pacific tracks, which have plagued drivers in Beaumont for years.

Specifically, the project would prevent motorist delays on Pennsylvania Avenue by eliminating the dangerous rail crossing near Interstate 10 and replacing it with a separated underpass, while preserving the four-lane roadway and adding sidewalks for pedestrian safety.

The California Transportation Commission officially adopted the Pennsylvania Grade Separation project for a potential award of $50.4 million.

The city has already committed over $8 million in local and regional funding for the project. With the CTC’s recommendation of $50.4 million through the state's Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, the project is now just $15 million away from being fully funded for construction, according to the city.

The funds from the state will be made available to the city once key milestones are met, including securing the remaining $15 million for the project and completing all environmental requirements.

As part of Monday's announcement, the city also received a funding commitment from the state for the State Route 60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange project.

The CTC has formally obligated $33.5 million for Phase II of the project, which now enables the city to proceed with construction.

The project expands upon the Potrero Boulevard overcrossing by adding a new six-ramp partial cloverleaf interchange, extended acceleration and deceleration lanes, and the realignment of Western Knolls Avenue. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.

The project is part of the city's $80 million plan to modernize the SR-60 corridor. Once completed, the project will "improve freight access to existing and future fulfillment and distribution centers off Potrero Boulevard, which will in turn support the current and continued growth of warehousing and transportation jobs within the project area," according to state documents.

The improved access is also expected to alleviate congestion at the neighboring SR-60/I-10 Interchange area. The reduction in congestion will enhance the safety and security of the freight system by lowering crash rates. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the documents state.

Beaumont Mayor Mike Lara called the state investments "a game-changer" for the city.

"We’re building safer roads, providing faster commutes, and improving emergency response times," Lara said. "These projects move us closer to our goal of a better-connected and more efficient traffic flow for our city and region."