Caltrans will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Friday in Littlerock to mark the beginning of construction on an $11.6 million Pearblossom Highway (SR-138) widening project.

New pavement, traffic signals, striping and sidewalks will be added to a 2-mile stretch of the highway between Avenue T in Littlerock and SR-18 in Llano.

Officials from Caltrans, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Tranportation Authority and others will participate in the ceremony in the Domino’s Pizza parking lot at 8201 Pearblossom Highway.

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UPDATE 3/16/2012 [Caltrans] – The California Department of Transportation today announced the beginning of construction of a two mile-long project to enhance safety and improve congestion on the Pearblossom Highway (SR-138) between Avenue T in Littlerock and State Route 18 in Llano.  The project is expected to finish in spring 2013.

The improvements are as follows:

* A new traffic signal at 87th Street, and the existing 82nd Street signal will gain a left-turn arrow and pocket.

* A median will be constructed so cars can move into it to turn left.

* Alpine Elementary School and several businesses nearby will gain continuous American with Disabilities Act compliant     sidewalks with wheelchair access.

* Several drainage inlets will be installed throughout the project area to help alleviate flooding.

“This project is part of the first phase of several projects in the pipeline to continue to upgrade and improve SR-138 in the Antelope Valley,” said District 7 Director Michael Miles.  “Through this steadfast partnership with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and our local partners, our efforts to improve and maintain Los Angeles County’s transportation infrastructure will continue.”

This $11.6 million project is funded by the State Transportation Improvement Program fund.  Toro Enterprises, Inc. of Oxnard, California has been awarded this construction contract.