Granite was awarded an approximately $88 million contract by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to improve a section of Ortega Highway State Route 74 (SR 74) near Lake Elsinore, the company announced.

The project scope includes widening the shoulders and roadway, allowing for the installation of centerline and edge line rumble strips. These enhancements will provide vehicle buffer room, significantly improving safety on this narrow two-lane highway through the Santa Ana Mountains.

In addition to widening this section of SR-74, the project will resurface the highway, ensuring safer and more efficient travel. This project continues ongoing efforts on this stretch of highway, building on the work over the past few years.

"We have been working closely with Caltrans on this highway for several years, and we are excited to continue this partnership," said Bill Moore, Granite's vice president of regional operations. "It aligns with our strategic goal of expanding our footprint in the Inland Empire of Southern California."

Construction is expected to begin in April 2025 and be completed in November 2026.

SR 74 run from Interstate 5 on California's Pacific Coast to the state's eastern interior in Palm Desert.