Why is Caltrans adding $8 million of new pavement to Fresno highway embankments?
Commuters on Highway 41 likely noticed work on the first few feet of embankments in recent months, and Caltrans says there’s more to come.
The winding pavement and rocks that stretch up from the roadway can already be seen on the north side of Highway 41 near Tulare Street and Shaw Avenue.
The purpose goes beyond aesthetics, according to Larry Johnson, a Caltrans spokesperson for the Fresno area.
“It’s a safety barrier and it helps maintain car fires,” he said.
The barrier is to protect Caltrans workers who have to trim the vegetation along the embankment by keeping landscapers farther from the roadway as they work, he said.
That buffer also could help keep poorly maintained vehicles or other cars that catch fire away from the flammable vegetation. And, with less vegetation, the crews will spray less pesticide, he said.
Johnson said Highway 41 will see the changes on both sides from about Divisadero Street to Friant Road.
The additions cost about $8 million and similar work is also set for Highway 180, Johnson said.
