Upgrading Major Corridors for the City of Lancaster

Streamlined Travel

Projected reductions in vehicular congestion and improvements to traffic flow once the SR 138/SR 14 Corridor Improvements Program is completed, easing travel in and around the City of Lancaster

Collaboration

Partnered with the City of Lancaster to ensure the program of improvements will meet the needs of the community and maintained close collaboration with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Community Access

Crafted a plan of interchange, roadway, and infrastructure enhancements that will improve the community’s access to the Antelope Valley Hospital Healthcare District, the main healthcare center in the region

Nestled in the Mojave Desert, the City of Lancaster is a gateway to California’s Central Valley and beyond. The State Route 138/State Route 14 (SR 138/SR 14) corridor connects Lancaster’s residents to jobs, schools, and essential services. However, navigating this critical corridor posed a challenge to travelers because of Lancaster’s rapidly growing population and increasing traffic congestion.

The SR 138/SR 14 Corridor Improvements Program, an endeavor led by Kimley-Horn on behalf of the City of Lancaster, is addressing these challenges with enhancements to multiple interchanges along SR 138/SR 14. Kimley-Horn is providing program management for five interchanges, along with the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) for major improvements to two key interchanges along this corridor—Avenue J and Avenue M. These improvements are projected to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve operational capacity for both the interchanges and local streets.

Transforming the City of Lancaster, One Interchange at a Time

The City of Lancaster initiated a comprehensive program to revitalize the SR 138/SR 14 corridor, with five key interchanges—Avenue M, L, K, J, and G—targeted for improvement. Kimley-Horn was brought on board to provide program management for all five interchanges and PS&E for two key interchanges: Avenue J and Avenue M.

The interchange revitalization program is funded by Measure R, an equity-focused initiative designed to distribute infrastructure funds to communities. This ensures that the program benefits not only the City of Lancaster but the surrounding communities too. A significant investment, the Corridor Improvements Program is set to improve community infrastructure, boost connectivity, and support the growth of Lancaster for years to come through projected benefits, such as:

Reduced congestion and improved traffic flow
Enhanced safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Increased connectivity and accessibility
Support for economic growth and job creation
Promotion of multimodal transportation
Investment in a sustainable future

Avenue J and M Pave the Way for Enhanced Connectivity

The upgraded Complete Streets designs for Avenue J are expected to enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. This is projected to promote safer commutes within the City of Lancaster and make the city more attractive for businesses and residents, which illustrates the City of Lancaster’s commitment to multimodal connectivity. In addition, the interchange improvements, roadway improvements, and upgraded infrastructure to Avenue J are projected to make it easier for Lancaster residents to gain access to the expanding Antelope Valley Hospital Healthcare District and its services there.

Avenue M’s interchange improvements offer similar benefits, widening the road between 10th Street West and 20th Street West for smoother traffic flow and dedicated bicycle lanes and sidewalks. This approach is set to improve local traffic circulation and provide more options for multimodal transportation, creating a more livable and walkable environment.

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation and Ingenuity

The SR 138/SR 14 corridor presented numerous challenges, ranging from constrained space to navigating complex right-of-way acquisition negotiations to a unique desert climate. The Kimley-Horn team worked with the City of Lancaster to employ innovative solutions, like lightweight cellular concrete backfill to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact. The team also ensured compliance with environmental processes, taking into account the presence of a nearby creek. Oversight from Caltrans additionally ensured the City of Lancaster aligned with their standards and regulations.

Kimley-Horn is continuing PS&E on Avenue J and Avenue M and the management program for all five interchanges. With a construction contract for the Avenue J Interchange awarded in February 2023 and a Notice to Proceed with construction in August 2023, overall construction is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2024. With a unique funding source, involvement of multiple stakeholders, and Kimley-Horn’s successful track record with the City of Lancaster, the SR 138/SR 14 Corridor Improvements Program highlights the power of collaboration and will build a more secure and connected future for the City of Lancaster.