On Friday, August 8, 2025, local and state leaders gathered at Live Oak Canyon Farms to celebrate the completion of the Interstate 10 Eastbound Truck Climbing Lane Extension through Yucaipa and Calimesa. The event marked the official opening of a 3-mile stretch designed to improve traffic flow and safety by separating slower-moving trucks from faster-moving passenger vehicles along one of the busiest segments of I-10.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Eric Sauer of the California Trucking Association, followed by remarks from Rick Denison, President of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA); Joe Baca, Jr., Vice Chair of the County Board of Supervisors; Judy Woolsey, Council Member for the City of Yucaipa; and Catalino Pining, District 8 Director for Caltrans. Each speaker highlighted the collaboration and investment that made the project possible and the benefits it will bring to both freight movement and daily commuters.
Construction, which began in March 2024, involved paving the existing median to shift the three eastbound lanes inward, allowing the former outside lane to become the extended truck climbing lane. Additional improvements included replacing the median barrier, widening the Oak Glen Creek/Wilson Creek bridge, updating signage, and enhancing lane striping.
The $39.5 million project was funded with local and state resources, including $11.7 million from Measure I—the voter-approved half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation improvements in San Bernardino County. The investment underscores the value of Measure I in delivering infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving efficiently.
The ribbon cutting celebrated more than just a new lane, it marked a significant step toward improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth in the region.