HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> The long-awaiting Ranchero Road Widening Project is about to start Wednesday. The widening project is approximately a 5 mile stretch of road.

The widening project on Ranchero Road which spans through San Bernardino County and parts of the City of Hesperia. This is the last project (Phases) of three. The other two improvements that have occurred along Ranchero Road over several years. The Railroad under-crossing bridge by Santa Fe Ave. and the Interstate 15 Ranchero Rd bridge were the first two phases.

The widening project is planned for a 5-mile stretch of Ranchero Rd. from Mariposa Road to Seventh Avenue. They are planning to install new traffic signals which will be be placed at the intersections of Maple Ave., Cottonwood Ave. and Seventh Ave. Also they will replace the bridge over the California Aqueduct, and widening the railroad crossing by Oak Hills High School.

Construction is expected to start on Wednesday May 2022, also noted that the project will be completed in phases “to minimize impacts to motorists.” Construction will start near Mariposa Rd. first then work towards Seventh Ave. Ranchero will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the project.

Around July or August* Ranchero will be closed to traffic at the aqueduct for about 6 to 9 months for a wider bridge. Detours will be posted. Mesquite Street is expected to be major part of the detour route. Public will be notified prior to road closures and detours.

Roadwork schedule will be Monday through Thursday from 7am – 5pm* and Fridays only at 7am – 4pm*. No night roadwork unless it is an emergency. *Times can subject to change and could go longer or start earlier. Please use caution and remember to reduce your speed when approaching and driving through the construction zones. Schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather or construction issues.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $64.1 million, with the City of Hesperia responsible for $37 million. The county and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority are expected to cover the remaining costs.

This project is anticipated to take 18 months to complete end of 2023.

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