Work has begun on an interstate truck lane meant to improve traffic congestion and safety on Interstate 215 and Highway 60 in Southern California.

According to The Riverside Press-Enterprise, voters approved a measure 12 years ago calling for the 5.3-mile lane that will stretch from west of the University Avenue interchange on the southbound side of I-215 to Frederick Street on eastbound Highway 60 in Riverside.
"We are constructing this to provide congestion relief and to improve traffic safety," said Jeanne Garcia, spokeswoman for Caltrans.
The $9.3 million project is being funded by state and federal gas tax funds, but the truck lanes are part of an overall transportation project that involves reconfiguring the junction of I-215 and highways 91 and 60. The funding for the project is currently up in the air because it’s $49 million over budget.
Transportation officials say the freeway will remain open during construction, which is expected to take 18 months.