Q: Doug Brown of Moreno Valley asked about the large green signs that hang above freeway lanes that indicate the distance to upcoming exits. The new green signs are covered with a clear protective plastic film, like a cell phone screen cover. When Caltrans workers install a new sign, they do not remove the clear protective film.

“After months of our brutal summer sun beating down on it, the clear film starts to dry up and disintegrate. Not only does it make reading the signs difficult, but then there are 20-foot shards of plastic film hanging down, distracting drivers,” Brown said. Eventually, he said, the plastic film comes off and drops into the travel lanes, creating a hazard and more trash alongside the freeway. He asked if there was an explanation for this.

A:  As our reader noted, the freeway signs are covered with a protective film that increases the longevity of the signs, said Caltrans spokesperson Eric Dionne.

Dionne said the film becoming a hazard would have to be an anomaly, as the film never completely comes off. It typically starts to peel at the corners and if it delaminates, a sign crew will go out to inspect it, he said.

“The film provides UV protection and allows for easier graffiti removal. To remove the sign film or a section, many factors have to be considered including stopping traffic or conducting a traffic break with the California Highway Patrol. Accidents tend to be a common thread when conducting such work, and are only used in extreme circumstances,” Dionne said.

Sewer line construction

Finally, beginning today and lasting for several months, drivers on Cajalco Road in Mead Valley have to use a detour route due to the ongoing construction of Eastern Municipal Water District’s new sewer line. The Mead Valley Cajalco Corridor Sewer Project between Carpinus Drive and Carroll Street is to accommodate future growth.

The detour route, with a 25 mph speed limit, is in place for eastbound traffic on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Although Cajalco Road is a major route, certain sections have only one lane in each direction. These restrictions are in place during construction:

Eastbound traffic will be diverted onto side streets, beginning at Barton Road. The detour route will direct drivers to Souder Street. The route of the detour will be in phases beginning at Barton Street. Subsequent phases will use Una, Alexander, Mead and Brown streets.

Commercial truck traffic is not allowed on the detour route and the California Highway Patrol will be monitoring this. Electronic message boards will advise commercial drivers. All eastbound commercial truck traffic is being diverted northbound on Wood Road, eastbound on Markham Street and southbound on Day Street.

Look for the electronic message boards, which will notify drivers of changes to working hours, locations and traffic flow. It’s best to be extra cautious when driving in the area, follow the signs and give yourself plenty of extra time for anticipated traffic delays during construction.

Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9995.