OCTA and RCTC in partnership with the Foothill Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency teamed up to conduct a major investment study (MIS) to look at a wide variety of improvements to relieve congestion and improve the drive between Riverside and Orange counties. The recently completed study resulted in a number of recommendations. The transportation projects recommended for further study and consideration include:

• Make improvements to SR-91 the immediate priority. Add one new lane in each direction to SR-91, starting with improvements between the Corona Freeway (I-15) and the Foothill Toll Road (SR-241), followed by improvements between SR-241 and the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55).
• Encourage more drivers to use the Foothill Toll Road (SR-241) by lowering tolls and adding new lanes as an alternative to widening SR-55. OCTA is working with the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) to determine the best way to move more people through the 91 corridor. OCTA retained Volmer Consulting to conduct a toll rate analysis and the TCA will retain Volmer to update their Toll and Revenue studies. The joint study is expected to be complete by winter 2007.
• Continue evaluating the costs and impacts of adding a new four- or six-lane elevated highway (viaduct) parallel to SR-91 between I-15 and SR-241 with a condition of not acquiring business and residential property. RCTC has hired a consultant to evaluate the potential right-of-way impacts of constructing the viaduct within the 91 median through the city of Corona. Results from this study are expected in Spring 2007.
• Continue studying the technical feasibility of building a new four- or six-lane highway (Irvine-Corona Expressway), which could include a tunnel between I-15 at Cajalco Road in Riverside County and the intersection of SR-241 and SR-133 in Orange County. RCTC, OCTA and the TCA have executed a joint agreement forming the Riverside Orange Corridor Authority which will conduct geotechnical studies evaluating the feasibility of the tunnel with regard to terrain and ground water issues along the conceptual alignment. Click here for more information on ROCA.
• Balance highway improvements with expanded transit service, including additional Metrolink trains, express buses and high-speed or Maglev train service. RCTC and OCTA continue to work closely developing new Express Bus service and additional Metrolink service to provide options to commuters traveling between the two counties.
• Study and implement operational improvements on Ortega Highway (SR-74) to improve safety. A study to identify specific operational improvements to SR-74 will begin in the spring of 2007 and is expected to be complete by summer 2008.

Back