Traffic Signal Installed at Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62
EASTERN COACHELLA VALLEY – A traffic signal at Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62 is now in place through a county transportation project to enhance safety at the eastern Coachella Valley intersection.
EASTERN COACHELLA VALLEY – A traffic signal at Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62 is now in place through a county transportation project to enhance safety at the eastern Coachella Valley intersection.
The Riverside County Transportation Department installed the traffic signal at the intersection, which borders the Thermal and Mecca communities. The intersection had two fatal collisions, one in 2012 and one in 2014.
The traffic signal has been in operation for the past few weeks, replacing the four-way stop signs that existed previously.
“Putting in a traffic signal has long been viewed as the solution for this intersection,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “I am glad to see this infrastructure installed to improve safety for residents and visitors to the area, reduce collisions and save lives. I appreciate the efforts of the Riverside County Transportation Department to make our county roadways safer.”
The Grapefruit Boulevard and 62nd Avenue Traffic Signal and Safety Lighting Project also included installation of safety lighting and curb ramps.
The total cost of the project was $3.2 million, which included construction of railroad track improvements due to the intersection’s proximity to a major railroad crossing. Construction was originally scheduled for summer 2019, but encountered some delays during the pandemic.
The Riverside County Transportation Department maintains over 616 traffic signals countywide (approximately 456 are in various cities). In addition to this project, over the past year, the Riverside County Transportation Department also signalized the intersection of Avenue 42 and Adams Street in Bermuda Dunes.
Captions – Photo 1: The traffic signal at Grapefruit Boulevard and Avenue 62 was energized on March 16, 2021. Photo 2: This photo, taken in 2019, shows the stop signs with flashing beacons that previously controlled the intersection.
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Supervisor V. Manuel Perez represents the eastern two-thirds of Riverside County on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Stretching from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, south to the Salton Sea and east to Blythe and the Colorado River, the 4th District is the largest geographical district in the county.
Supervisor Perez’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
