For commuters and everyone else who drives on the SR-91 - January 3, 2003 marked a historic moment. That is when OCTA took public ownership of the 91 Express Lanes from a private firm that had owned and operated them since its inception in 1985. This removed the non-compete on SR-91, clearing the way for much needed improvements to be made in the 91 corridor.

With OCTA’s purchase of the lanes, this also provided public officials from Orange and Riverside counties to make decisions on how the toll road is managed. An advisory committee was formed with OCTA and RCTC officials to oversee the SR-91 Freeway corridor and make recommendations for improving transportation between the two counties.

Both agencies appointed five representatives to the committee. Representatives from the Caltrans District offices in Orange County and the Inland Empire, as well as the San Bernardino Associated Governments, have also been appointed as non-voting members. The advisory committee’s main duties are to review and make recommendations on issues such as toll structure, operations, maintenance, the use of toll revenues and improvements along the SR-91 corridor.

One of the first projects made possible due to the efforts of the Advisory Committee and their agencies was the improvement of the westbound commute on SR-91. In 2004, a lane was added between the Riverside County Line and the SR-241 Toll Road in Orange County, while in Riverside County striping changes were made to enhance traffic flow between SR-71 and the county line. 

In addition, for the first time since the lanes opened over a decade ago, a major pavement maintenance project took place on the 91 Express Lanes. In addition to extending the life of the pavement, the project made the pavement smoother to drive on and enhanced safety. For more information on the 91 Express Lanes pavement maintenance project, contact the California Department of Transportation at tcpubinfo@dot.ca.gov. For more information on the 91 Express Lanes or how to sign up for fast track, click here.