Q: Readers Gary Valdez of Yucaipa and David Rollins of Claremont asked about the median barrier and construction area along the 10 Freeway in Ontario where the new express lanes are being built. “My question is why are they cutting out sections of the concrete center divider after it took them months to install?” Valdez asked. Rollins had the same question. “It seems that the center divider on I-10 East of Archibald for more than a mile is being jackhammered and it looks new. Why is that?” he asked.
A: The median barrier in question is part of the I-10 Corridor Project, which involves building toll lanes in both directions of about 10 miles along the 10 through San Bernardino County. (See project details here: ). The project includes other improvements to enhance safety, including building a concrete median barrier that meets Caltrans’ design and construction standards, said Tim Watkins, chief of Legislative and Public Affairs for San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
“During construction, SBCTA diligently notified the contractor of the median barrier that it does not conform to the established Caltrans standards,” Watkins said. “The nonconforming median barrier at issue is approximately one mile in length. The contractor sought an exception from the applicable Caltrans standards, and Caltrans did not grant that request. The nonconforming median barrier is now in the process of being removed and replaced pursuant to the applicable Caltrans standards,” he said.
SBCTA says the contractor is responsible for the cost of fixing the barrier, which didn’t meet Caltrans standards, Watkins said, adding, “SBCTA remains a dedicated steward of public funds and is working hard to ensure that the public receives a high quality and safe product that meets established standards.” He said SBCTA is continuing to push to finish the project promptly and with “as little impact as possible to the traveling public.”
REAL ID
Finally, do you have your REAL ID yet? As of this week, Californians have one year to get one. Almost 17.3 million Californians now have a REAL ID, and if you want to board a flight in the United States a year from now, you’ll need one too. The federal enforcement date begins May 7, 2025. Americans will need a REAL ID or other to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities like federal courthouses and military bases.
To apply, visit to see the document requirements, view an information video about the process, fill out the online application, and upload your documents. Next you must bring the required documents to a Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will need:
• Proof of identity: One original or certified document, such as a valid passport, a valid passport card, valid permanent resident card, or birth certificate.• Two separate documents proving California residency: two different, printed, paper copy documents to prove you live in California. Both documents must show your first and last name with the same mailing address listed on your REAL ID application. Examples include a home utility bill, a cell phone bill, a mortgage bill, your tax return, your property tax bill or statement, or a rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident.• Social Security number. (Exceptions may apply.)
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call us at our new phone number, 951-368-9995.
