News from: Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
The Riverside County Transportation Department has initiated a study to consider possible changes for State Highway 74 along the route from the Coachella Valley floor up to the mountain communities.
Residents have been concerned about the amount of trucks traveling along this segment of SH‑74. Supervisor V. Manuel Perez met with a family who lost their son, Tristan Bourgeois, in a big rig collision, and has followed up to look into what steps at the local level can be taken to make the road safer.
SH-74 is a state highway, and this segment is maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). While the state has jurisdiction of the highway and its maintenance, in order to make a determination on truck restrictions, Caltrans considers the recommendations of local authorities, in this case, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
“This is a very important issue. We are talking about life and death,” said Supervisor Perez. “For me, this is also personal. My brother was in an accident as well, but fortunately for our family he survived. Nonetheless, the trauma from that accident had a major impact on our entire family. That is why my heart goes out to the Bourgeois family and it’s time we address Highway 74.”
The study will be coordinated between the county and Caltrans, and take in analysis from trucking industries, affected businesses, community groups and the public. The timeframe to complete this study is approximately nine to 12 months, including time for Caltrans to review and comment.
Supervisor Perez will reach out to local cities in the Coachella Valley to gather support for any recommendations that come from the study. The Palms to Pines Highway is significant to the region, as it connects the Coachella Valley communities, the mountains and on to the western part of the county.
“This route is used by so many as a way in and out of our Coachella Valley,” said Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik, who is also a Commissioner and Past Chair of the Riverside County Transportation Commission. “We just wrapped up the tennis and festival season which shows how critical it is for everyone to have safety as they travel in and out of our valley. It’s very encouraging Supervisor Perez has chosen to work with Caltrans to come to solutions and we look forward to helping because this road is part of our valley.”
The local governments’ efforts will likely work in tangent with recent proposed bills by state lawmakers seeking to improve safety on Highway 74.
In January, Caltrans completed the Grind and Pave Emergency project to remove and replace damaged asphalt pavement. Caltrans is planning an over $50 million project, the SR-74 Mill and Overlay Project, to rehabilitate a 47-mile stretch of pavement with additional improvements. That project is scheduled to start in 2028.
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Supervisor V. Manuel Perez represents the Fourth Supervisorial District on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. The largest district in the county by geography, the 4th District covers eastern Riverside County, from Whitewater, stretching across the entire Coachella Valley south to the Salton Sea, up Highway 74 to Idyllwild and the mountain communities, and heading east of the Coachella Valley to Blythe and the Colorado River.
Supervisor Perez’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.