The Antelope Valley Times

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Caltrans worker struck, killed on 14 Freeway

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[Reader's photo submitted by Anthony Borquez.]
[Reader’s photo submitted by Anthony Borquez.]
ACTON – A Caltrans electrician was struck and killed by a big rig Thursday on the southbound Antelope Valley (14) Freeway in the Acton area, prompting the Caltrans district in which he worked to halt all maintenance activities for a safety review.

Jorge Lopez, a 57-year-old Sylmar resident, died at the scene of the 11:35 a.m. collision at Red Rover Mine Road.

Lopez, who had been with the state transportation agency for 16 years, was standing outside his vehicle on the side of the road when the big rig veered into him. Two other Caltrans employees in their vehicles witnessed the incident, according to a statement from Caltrans.

The truck driver stopped at the scene and was being questioned by California Highway Patrol investigators.

Gov. Jerry Brown said he and his wife, Anne, “were saddened to learn of the death of Jorge Lopez, who worked each day to make our California roads safer. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and many colleagues who are mourning this tragedy.”

Lopez is survived by his wife, Leticia and three adult children, according to Caltrans.

The crash initially prompted a shutdown of all southbound freeway lanes. By about 4:15 p.m., one lane remained closed and southbound traffic was backed up past Soledad Canyon Road and northbound traffic to Escondido Canyon Road.

Flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in Lopez’s honor, according to the governor’s office.

Lopez’s death was the first since 2005 of an employee of Caltrans District 7, which includes Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and the 185th Caltrans employee to be killed while on the job.

In the wake of the fatality, District 7 called a “safety stand-down to emphasize safety procedures.” Routine and regularly scheduled highway maintenance will be temporarily halted “to revisit and reinforce all aspects of field safety,” according to Caltrans.

The agency also announced its statewide network of electronic freeway signs will remind drivers to be alert for highway workers.

“Today we mourn the loss of one of our own in this tragic incident,” Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said. “This is an unfortunate reminder of how dangerous highway work can be.”

He said motorists should slow down and move over a lane when passing work crews.

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Filed Under: Acton

13 comments for "Caltrans worker struck, killed on 14 Freeway"

  1. Que Lastima que gente como Jorge tenga que irse así como se fue por culpa de un error
    Tan grande, a su familia mi más sincero pesame que Dios les de la fortaleza que tanto necesitan
    Yo conocí a Jorge y sus logros son de admirarce .
    Dios los bendiga a todos como familia!

  3. Myself and family were in the traffic shortly after. We saw that poor man lying there and all started to cry our prays are with the family. Rip.

  4. “These tragedies are sobering reminders that we must all 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. This is why we have the ‘Move Over’ law.”

    SLOW DOWN PEOPLE!!!!!!

    R.I.P.
    Condolences to the family.

    • It’s not about slowing down. It’s all these idiots that drive in the fast lane doin 60 mph, move over!!! This creates traffic jams because you’re impeding the flow of traffic by doing so and in turn adding a greater risk to workers on the side of the roads.

  6. Prayers and thoughs for the family I was on my way to work and passed that area about 2:30. I was surprised coroner was not there yet.

  7. I too saw his body right after it happened before anyone got there and before traffic. I cant get the image of him layimg there lifeless out of my head.. I am really saddened that he has passed. RIP.