Clean California Lighting Project at the Fort Independence Reservation to Create Safer Nighttime Spaces for Pedestrians & Motorists on U.S. 395

FORT INDEPENDENCE — Caltrans announced today the beginning of construction on the Clean California Lighting Project located on U.S. 395 within the Fort Independence Reservation. The $887,280 project was made possible through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform public spaces.

Crews from Polo Engineering will install eight safety-enhancing and dark-sky-compliant light standards and one enclosure box from 0.2 miles south of Miller Lane to just north of Fort Road in Inyo County. These lights will illuminate intersections at Miller Lane, the Fort Independence Travel Plaza, Dusty Lane, and Fort Road to create more walkable nighttime spaces for pedestrians and enhance safety for drivers, while also preserving the night sky.

“This project illuminates the spirit and purpose of Clean California by delivering an important resource to an underserved community like the Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians, “Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. “These specialized lights provide more options for safer evening activities while preserving the tranquil beauty of this community’s sacred night sky.”

“Feedback received from the Fort Independence Tribe was vital to the conception of this safety project,” said District 9 Director, Ryan Dermody. “We are grateful for their continued partnership, and look forward to working together on future projects in and around the Fort Independence community.”

Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. One lane in each direction will be open at all times and drivers may experience minimal delays. Construction is scheduled to last 25 working days and the project is expected to be completed in November 2023.

Visit CleanCA.com to learn more about how Clean California is transforming communities and how you can get involved.

Travelers are asked to be attentive to workers on the highway, slow for the cone zone, and move over whenever possible to give additional clearance. Be Safe and Be Work Zone Alert!

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