(June 28) HESPERIA—This city of 90,173, which throughout its 25 years as a municipality has been handicapped by the physical division of the Santa Fe Railroad tracks, will turn a new leaf tomorrow when the $27 million Ranchero Underpass is set to open with a ribbon-cutting.
The railroad tracks have long prevented motorists from easily transiting from the east to west side of the city and vice versa. The Myra McGinnis Bridge on Main Street in the middle of the city is the only place in town where drivers can forge the divide. On the city’s extreme north end, on Bear Valley Road at the  border with Victorville, the tracks can also be crossed.
The new underpass connects both sides of Ranchero Road under the railroad tracks at the city’s south end.
Long contemplated as a needed improvement to the community, the underpass will cut significant time and distance off some local trips.   The underpass is to be augmented in 2015 with the completion of the $59 million  Ranchero Road interchange at Interstate 15 further west.
Festivities for the underpass opening will begin at 8 a.m. with a 5K run, followed by the ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., and a classic car parade at 11 a.m.