This view looking west on McCall Blvd. shows the narrowing of four lanes to two going over the hill. (Staff photo)
The Menifee City Council on Wednesday approved a $4.3 million contract for the widening of a stretch of McCall Boulevard over the hill east of Menifee Valley Medical Center.
Riverside Construction Company Inc. was chosen from among six applicants for the project, which is expected to begin late this month and take at least 60 days to complete. The road will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes from Oakhurst/Hospital Way to Junipero Road. Currently, the road narrows from four lanes to two approaching each side of the hill.
This is a separate project from the one farther west that will expand the McCall freeway interchange. That project is awaiting more funding before work begins.
“There is a need for additional vehicle lanes to support current and future traffic volumes due to the increased residential and commercial development in the area,” states the staff report. “Under the City’s General Plan, this segment of McCall Boulevard is designated as an arterial roadway that would ultimately provide six vehicle lanes.”
The contract was unanimously approved by council members.
“I’ll be glad to see this happen. I drive that stretch of road every day. It’s always a challenge to see which car gets there first,” said Dean Deines, referring to the narrowing of McCall westbound from one lane to two going up the hill.
Even though the roadway is narrow as it passes over the hill, no total road closures are planned during the project, said Phil Southard, City of Menifee communications director.
“The City does not anticipate any long-term lane closures for this project, as there is sufficient width to widen on either side of the roadway,” he said. “However, there may be short-term lane closures with one-way traffic control for potential utility crossings or during paving operations.”
Map shows the portion of McCall Blvd. that will be widened.
