Highway Worker Killed; Roadwork Put on Hold

All roadwork was halted on local freeways due to a fatality while Caltrans employees go through safety training.

Richard Gonzalez, 52, was hit by a vehicle at 9 am. today and killed as he picked up litter along the northbound I-15 connector ramp to eastbound Highway 94 in San Diego.

He was the third California Department of Transportation employee in 48 days to die, the most ever in such a short period of time, said Tamie McGowen, spokesperson for Caltrans.

Stephen Palmer was killed on May 4 when a trolley hit him in National City, and Jaime Obeso was killed on June 7 when an errant vehicle hit him on Interstate 8 in Imperial County.

“Every day, highway workers put their lives in danger just by going to work,” said Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty in a written announcement. “These three tragic incidents are sobering reminders that we all must do everything we can to keep our highways safe. Motorists must slow down, watch out for highway workers and safely move over a lane when passing work crews.”

It was unclear whether construction projects such as the Interstate 215 widening through Murrieta would be delayed. The announcement stated that all routine or regularly-scheduled highway maintenance activities are being temporarily halted.

Flags will be flown at half staff at all Caltrans stations in the state.

Maggie Avants contributed to this report.