Despite these changes, Beaumont continues to embrace its small-town charm—a unique blend of progress and community spirit that sets it apart. “We often say all roads lead to Beaumont,” says David Fenn, council member of Beaumont.“With our central location and growing community, we’ve become a destination for families looking for affordable housing and businesses seeking accessible land.” However, growth comes with its challenges, and Beaumont’s leaders are navigating these with vision, dedication, and a strong commitment to preserving what makes the city special. PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS Rapid growth often tests the limits of a city’s infrastructure, and Beaumont is no exception. As thousands of new residents have moved to the city over the years, traffic has become a major concern. “Being in the Pass Area, we deal with a lot of regional traffic passing through,” explains Elizabeth Gibbs, City Manager. “It’s not just about our population; events like Coachella and Stagecoach bring additional congestion to our highways and local streets.” Beaumont is tackling these challenges head-on with a series of ambitious infrastructure projects.The $71 million Potrero Boulevard Interchange project is a prime example. Scheduled to begin construction in fall 2025, the project will provide additional freeway access, easing congestion and improving connectivity for residents and businesses.“This interchange will not only benefit residents but also help with the flow of traffic from logistic centers in the area,” notes Lloyd White, Council Member. Other significant projects include eliminating the at-grade crossings where the train tracks intersect with Pennsylvania Avenue, enhancements to the Oak Valley Parkway Interchange, and an extension of Second Street to divert traffic from busy intersections like Highland Springs Avenue. While these projects address immediate traffic concerns, Beaumont’s leadership takes a longterm approach. To secure funding and support, the city works closely with regional agencies like the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). “We’ve built strong partnerships with 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 BEAUMONT, CA
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