Drivers, expect slow traffic, REU crews and closed lanes along Hilltop Drive in Redding

Motorists traveling on north Hilltop Drive in Redding could face slower speeds, traffic controls and lane closures starting Monday, May 20, according to the city.

Redding Electric Utility crews will replace underground infrastructure along a stretch of Hilltop in late May, according to the utility company.

Construction begins north of Trader Joe's near the Chuck E. Cheese shopping area, then continues across the Interstate 5 overpass, then northwest for several blocks to the Shasta County Early Childhood Services offices near the Hilltop and Lake Boulevard intersection. Crews will then loop around and work back toward Chuck E. Cheese, according to REU Program Supervisor Jeremy Ross.

"Most of the work is done on the shoulder of the road," Ross said, so crews won't have to close a lane except sporadically at a few points where the shoulder isn't wide enough for them to work safely.

If that happens, Ross said only the right southeast-bound lane will close. Traffic will continue in both directions, albeit with one lane open for drivers moving toward the Hilltop Drive and Browning Street intersection where Best Buy and Trader Joe's are located.

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Ross asked that motorists slow down on north Hilltop, and watch for workers, orange cones, signage and other traffic controls until crews finish the project by end of day on May 31.

Replacing cables is part of REU's infrastructure modernization effort, according to a press release issued by the city on May 15.

City officials hope to "improve reliability and reduce future (power) outages...by proactively replacing aging underground power lines," according to the announcement.

Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter@RS_JSkropanic and onFacebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work,please subscribe today. Thank you.