California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Director Will Kempton, Senators Denise Ducheny and Dennis Hollingsworth and other local officials announced the continuation of construction on the State Route 78/111 Brawley Bypass at a celebration held June 7 at the SR-78/111 junction.

“I am excited for the benefits this project will have on this region and the state as a whole,” said Director Kempton, noting that the Brawley Bypass will reduce truck traffic through the city of Brawley and help increase safety and fuel efficient movement of goods.

Kempton credited Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Proposition 1B bond measure for its part in allowing construction to continue on the $226.5 million project. The project secured funding from the bond’s Trade Corridor Improvement and State Transportation Improvement accounts.

In addition to speakers Kempton, Ducheny and Hollingsworth, John Veysey participated in the event that also unveiled the new Victor V. Veysey Expressway sign naming a portion of SR 78 in the area in honor of his father, a longtime Brawley resident, politician, educator and farmer.

The celebration concluded with a large front loader that approached the group lowering its bucket to scoop the first shovelful of earth to continue the work on the Brawley Bypass.