City to Address 300+ Potholes; New Big Bear Boulevard Signage Expected in April

Big Bear Lake, CA — Winter storm damage has resulted in a number of potholes on streets in the Big Bear Valley—though you have probably already noticed as much in recent weeks. Within the City of Big Bear Lake, there are at least 300—perhaps as many as 400—pothole in need of repair, according to the City’s Engineer David Lawrence. In a presentation before City Council on March 22, Lawrence pointed out, “We are anticipating heavy winter storm damage repair this year.” Some of these projects are already underway, such as addressing large potholes on Moonridge Road, though most street repair maintenance will be held until things dry out. The Public Works Department for Big Bear Lake is still assessing the full extent of damage, not just on streets, but to storm drains and trees as well. So while pothole repair is atop the list of priorities for Public Works, Lawrence notes that other projects are also planned. Big Bear Boulevard will get an extension of the left-hand turn lane (or the “deceleration” lane), from Pine Knot Avenue west to Lakeview Drive; this should be implemented by summer’s end, and will be paid for with grant funding. This portion of the roadway also includes part of what is now referred to as Big Bear Boulevard, rather than Paine and Lakeview. Small street signs have been installed, indicating the switch to Big Bear Boulevard for consistency on the road that is also Highway 18. The larger, more prominent signage is on order, Lawrence tells KBHR, and should be here in Big Bear, and then installed, by the end of April.