Sinkhole at Redlands Boulevard-California Street Intersection

A large sinkhole in the westbound lanes of Redlands Boulevard west of California Street will affect both east and westbound traffic on Redlands Boulevard while city staff evaluate the structural integrity of the infrastructure and how to repair the damage. The sinkhole, approximately 10 to 15 feet wide and up to 20 feet deep was reported to city staff early Monday afternoon, Aug. 4. No one was injured. Westbound traffic on Redlands Boulevard will be diverted to northbound California Street, while eastbound Redlands Boulevard traffic will be diverted south on California Street for an undetermined period until repairs are made. The City Council held a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, to consider ratifying a declaration of local emergency following Sunday’s rain storm after City Manager Enrique Martinez declared a local emergency Tuesday, Aug. 5, after a brief deluge on Sunday caused the sinkhole estimated at several hundred thousand dollars to city property, including a large sinkhole at westbound Redlands Boulevard near California Street. A declaration of local emergency is a necessary step to qualify the city for any available state or federal emergency reimbursements. The declaration made by the City Manager must be ratified by the City Council within seven days. The sinkhole developed adjacent to a San Bernardino County flood control channel which runs below the Redlands Boulevard-California Street intersection. City engineers will evaluate the structural integrity of the bridge over the channel as well as the surrounding roadway before determining how to repair the damage.