The Point: RCTC has delivered significant transportation solutions this year with more on the horizon
It’s only August, but RCTC has already completed four highway projects in 2022, reached a major milestone for new passenger rail service, and is preparing to open a new interchange this fall. This year is shaping up to be a big one for project delivery with more on the horizon, designed to keep communities connected and the economy moving.
The four newly opened projects include:
- The 91 Corridor Operations Project, which added a new lane to westbound 91 between Green River Road in Corona to the southbound 241 connector, improving the morning commute – Opened in January 2022
- The I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange in Lake Elsinore, which is enhancing safety and traffic flow for residents and neighboring commuters from Canyon Lake – Opened in April 2022
- The Route 60 Truck Lanes in the Badlands between Moreno Valley and Beaumont now provides a safer, more efficient way to travel between western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley – Opened May 2022
- The I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project, which added a lane on southbound I-15 between Corona and the Temescal Valley to improve traffic operations – Opened July 2022
Also in July, the Commission certified the Tier 1 “program-level” environmental document for Coachella Valley Rail, a major milestone for this proposed daily intercity passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. The next step is to secure funding for the Tier 2 “project-level” engineering and environmental studies for this long-range project. RCTC will be applying for federal and state grant funds this fall to move this project to the next phase.
Just around the corner is the planned opening of the I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange in Perris. This new interchange will improve access to I-215 in this growing area and enhance traffic flow and air quality. The opening will be coordinated with the roadway extension of Placentia Avenue led by the City of Perris.
Other projects are coming soon. Of note are reconstruction of the 71/91 Interchange in Corona, construction and operations of the Smart Freeway Pilot Project in Temecula and Murrieta, improvements to the Moreno Valley/March Field Metrolink Station, engineering and environmental studies of the I-10 Highland Springs Interchange in Banning and Beaumont, and design of the Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway segment in the County of Riverside. Please watch for project updates.