Weekly Blasting to Take Place for Big Bear Bridge Project; Motorists Can Expect Midweek Flagging on Highway 18

CalTrans has extended weekday hours for flagging on Highway 18 to accommodate work on the Big Bear bridge project at the dam. Motorists heading up and down the mountain the “front way” can expect flagging from 7am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Though one lane will remain open, delays of 15-20 minutes can be expected. However, no flagging for the construction project will be taking place on holidays or weekends. The contractor, Flatiron Construction, will also begin blasting once a week, which will continue through the duration of the project, per CalTrans. Rock blasting will be between 10am and 2pm, and signage will be posted in advance. Given this, signs have also been posted at the construction site at Big Bear Lake’s western-most end, warning against trespassing. Law enforcement will be monitoring the site, and violators will be prosecuted. The Big Bear bridge project is scheduled for completion in 2011 so, in the meantime, expect continued delays and flagging on Highway 18 from 7am to 5pm each weekday.