Imperial Avenue I-8 Interchange Project announced

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A two-year project will completely reconstruct the Interstate 8 (I-8) and Imperial Avenue interchange.

Caltrans, in partnership with the Imperial county Transportation Commission and the City of El Centro announced the extensive project Monday.

Construction will begin late spring or early summer, according to Caltrans.

The two-year-project will remove the existing bridge and eastbound on- and off-ramps.

The entire structure, as well as on- and off-ramps in both directions will be rebuilt.

This new undertaking will include a new entrance loop ramp from southbound Imperial Avenue to eastbound I-8.

It will also create access to El Centro's upcoming extension of southbound Imperial Avenue to south of I-8.

"The overall result will be reduced traffic congestion at Imperial Avenue and 4th Street interchanges as well as improved traffic safety by updating the existing interchange,” said El Centro Mayor Efrain Silva.

"We know that city traffic will be heavily impacted for some time, but ultimately the extension of Imperial Avenue will bring prosperity and benefits for generations to come."