Good news for 91 drivers heading back from Orange County – the SR-91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project (ECOP) was awarded with new funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) earlier this month. Once completed, the 91 ECOP project will provide motorists a three-mile, non-tolled auxiliary lane on eastbound SR-91 between the SR-241 connector and SR-71 near Green River Road. Improvements will also include widening two bridges, constructing retaining walls, implementing rockfall mitigation measures, replacing overhead signs, and building a new two-lane exit ramp at Green River Road.

“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC appreciates the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of this project through the BUILD grant program, and we thank Representatives Ken Calvert and Young Kim for their leadership in supporting the project’s grant application. These funds help improve traffic operations on the 91.”

The SR-91 corridor is one of the most traveled corridors in the United States, serving thousands of commuters, businesses, and goods movement throughout the region. The $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant provides a significant federal investment toward advancing the project from design to construction.

RCTC is advancing the project in partnership with the California Department of Transportation and the Orange County Transportation Authority to help improve traffic flow, support economic development, and enhance travel reliability throughout the region. Construction is expected to begin in 2028. The $178 million for construction of the 91 ECOP will be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds, as well as toll revenues.

USDOT’s BUILD grant program is a nationally competitive discretionary grant program that funds significant transportation infrastructure projects across the country. The grant is used for transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

For more information, visit rctc.org/91ecop.

During its 33rd Annual Awards Gala, the Construction Management Association of America awarded RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange and I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project each with the organization’s prestigious Project Achievement Award. This distinction celebrates the very best in the field – projects that set the standard for excellence and serve as inspiration for the entire industry.

Whether it’s delivering a new connector on the 71/91 interchange, or implementing solutions on the I-15, the Commission continues to lead the way in delivering transportation improvements in our region.

The 71/91 Interchange in Corona replaced an outdated single-lane loop connector with a new, two-lane direct connector. The non-tolled connector is designed to improve safety, expand access, and enhance traffic flow. In southwest Riverside County, the recently completed I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project – the first-of-its-kind project in California – incorporated “smart” technology on nearly eight miles of road to optimize traffic flow along the heavily traveled northbound I-15.

Projects like these advance the Commission’s mission to deliver mobility solutions for the people of Riverside County.

Born in 1923, Joseph Tavaglione spent much of his life improving Riverside County through his community service for better transportation infrastructure across the region. Joe was appointed by Governor Gray Davis, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Jerry Brown, and Governor Gavin Newson to serve on the California Transportation Commission (CTC) where he was recognized as one of the longest serving members. As a CTC Commissioner, he took a part in approving billions of dollars in funding for transportation infrastructure in the Inland Empire.

On January 22, 2025, family, friends, and community leaders gathered in Riverside to honor the legacy and memory of Joe who passed away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 101. In recognition of his substantial contributions to our region’s transportation system, the California State Legislature officially designated the 60/91/215 interchange as the “Joseph Tavaglione Memorial Interchange.”

The 60/91/215 Interchange project, located at the heart of the Inland Empire, was completed in 2008 and is just one example of his tireless efforts to make sure that transportation projects in the Inland Empire were funded and completed. Joe’s leadership and vision united transportation leaders, elected officials, and community members not just in the Inland Empire but across California to work together to improve the state’s transportation system.

Joe’s leadership ensured our communities received state funding for widening I-215, SR-91, I-15, and SR-60, and constructing the Perris Valley Line, railroad grade separations, interchanges, and active transportation projects across all corners of Riverside County. Joe’s contributions to transportation planning and infrastructure, economic development, and various charitable causes have not only left a lasting impact on Riverside County and the broader southern California region but brought our communities closer together.

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 through Chino Hills are advised to be prepared for weeknight (Monday – Friday) full closures of southbound 71 from Butterfield Ranch Rd/Euclid Ave to the 91. The closures of southbound 71 will begin Monday, March 3 through Friday, April 11 as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The southbound 71 to eastbound and westbound 91 connectors will also be closed during this time.

The closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights, and 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday nights. These nighttime closures will allow construction crews to safely remove support structures from the recently constructed new sections of the connector. Additional nighttime lane reduction configurations along eastbound and westbound 91 may also occur during these nightly closures.

To avoid traffic delays, motorists are urged to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Euclid Ave off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

Construction activity is subject to change due to site conditions, weather, or other factors. If the work cannot be completed, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The new non-tolled interchange is designed to improve safety, expand access to other modes of travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance traffic flow, and support continued movement of native wildlife through the area. Construction began in 2023 and is expected to be completed later this year. To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage. For the latest closure information, visit: rctc.org/7191Closures

Motorists traveling through Corona are advised to steer clear of full weeknight closures of westbound 91. Beginning December 2, 2024, the westbound 91 will be closed between the 71 and Green River Road on Monday through Wednesday nights as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The closures are scheduled through Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Due to the holidays, no closures will be scheduled from December 20 through January 1, 2025. Closures are anticipated to restart on Monday, January 6, 2025.

The full closure will allow crews to remove more than 40 beams of support structures that span above the westbound 91 lanes. This work requires precision and time to be completed safely. Over the summer, crews completed a similar operation with the removal of support structures over eastbound 91.

Motorists traveling on the westbound 91 and southbound 71 should plan extra time to reach local destinations and businesses in the area. Detailed closure information below:

To avoid lengthy traffic delays, motorists are highly advised to avoid the westbound 91 by using the northbound 71 to westbound 60 to southbound 57 to get around the closure. Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, is reconstructing the 71/91 interchange in Corona. The project will replace the single-lane loop connector between the eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2025.  

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage. View the latest construction activity at: rctc.org/7191updates 

For nearly three decades, Measure A has provided Riverside County residents with an opportunity to invest in their future by raising much-needed funding for transportation projects that help keep our communities connected and maintain the region’s mobility options. Measure A was approved by voters in 1988 and again in 2002. The funds are exclusively used for transportation improvements countywide and in every city. In many cases, Measure A dollars are leveraged for additional state and federal funding needed to pay for highways, public transportation, local streets and roads improvements, as well as alternative transportation needs throughout the region.

The La Sierra Interchange Project is a crucial example of a significant project partially funded by Measure A. Located on the western side of Riverside County, it was made possible through a partnership between the City of Riverside, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Western Riverside Council of Governments, and Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). Construction for the $38 million project began in October 2007 and was completed in 2009.

The bridge located on La Sierra Avenue between Diana Street and Indiana Street had only two lanes in each direction. The completed project added additional lanes in each direction with dual left turn lanes implemented to streamline entry on the expanded La Sierra on-ramp. The completed 6-lane bridge stretches over the BNSF railroad tracks and above the 91 freeway. The city of Riverside led the La Sierra on-ramp improvements, which was widened to three lanes, constructed retaining walls along the ramps, and included landscaping for the surrounding area.

Measure A contributed $4,184,742 in funding for this essential project. The project has improved connectivity, enhanced traffic flow, and increased safety for Riverside County residents.

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 through Chino Hills are advised to stay alert for weeknight full closures of southbound 71 at Butterfield Ranch Rd/Euclid Ave. The Monday through Friday nighttime closures of southbound 71 are scheduled from Monday, September 16 through late-October as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The southbound 71 to eastbound and westbound 91 connectors will also be closed.

The closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights, and midnight to 6 a.m. on Friday nights. During these nighttime closures, construction crews will be building a new portion of support structures for the new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector. Additional nighttime lane reductions along eastbound and westbound 91 may also occur during these nightly closures.

To avoid traffic delays, motorists are urged to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Euclid Ave off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

Construction activity is subject to change due to site conditions, weather, or other factors. If the work cannot be completed, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange. For the latest closure information, visit rctc.org/7191Closures.

Motorists making their way south through Chino and Chino Hills should avoid the southbound 71 or be prepared to face heavy traffic delays. RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project will require a full weekend closure beginning Friday, August 16 at 10 p.m. through Monday, August 19 at 5 a.m.

The full closure will safely allow crews to pave and stripe the final portion of the newly aligned southbound 71 lanes. During the weekend closure, crews will also perform a traffic switch to shift traffic onto these new lanes. This shift will extend southbound 71, create additional space for the new connector, and allow it to connect to northbound 71 lanes.

To avoid lengthy traffic delays, motorists are highly advised to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on the southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Butterfield Ranch Rd./Euclid Ave. off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave. to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

Construction activity is subject to change due to site conditions, weather, or other factors. If the work cannot be completed, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Make sure to stay informed by signing up for construction updates – text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange.

Traveling through Corona at night this summer? There are road closures in the works that you should know about. Motorists driving on the eastbound 91 Monday through Wednesday nights should plan ahead for traffic delays. Starting Monday, July 15, weeknight closures of the eastbound 91 general purpose lanes and Express Lanes are scheduled as part of the 71/91 Interchange Project in Corona. The eastbound Green River Road on-ramp will also be closed at night.

Closures are as scheduled:

• LOCATION: Eastbound 91, from Green River Rd. to Serfas Club Dr./Auto Center Dr.
  • Includes eastbound 91 general purpose lanes, Express Lanes, and Green River Rd. on-ramp
• DAYS & TIMES: Nightly, Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
• DURATION: July 15 – August 14, 2024

The southbound 71 connectors to eastbound and westbound 91 will remain open.

The closures will allow crews to safely remove support structures above the eastbound 91 that were constructed in 2023 and early 2024. These support structures were used to form the foundation of the new connector. The removal process will take place over several weeks, Monday through Wednesday nights, beginning July 15.

Motorists traveling on the eastbound 91 are advised to avoid the area and use northbound 57 to eastbound 60 to the southbound 71. Corona residents may use Green River Rd. to Palisades Drive to Serfas Club Dr./Auto Center Dr. to enter eastbound 91. Motorists should allow extra travel time to reach local businesses, which will remain open. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

Construction activity is subject to change due to site conditions, weather, or other factors. If the work cannot be completed, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) continues to make headways in the pursuit of much-needed federal funding for transportation improvements in Riverside County. Four Community Project Funding (CPF) projects totaling $12.5 million have received support from local members of Congress in the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations bill. These requests follow RCTC’s recent accomplishment of securing $9.5 million in federal funding. 

Representative Young Kim has championed RCTC’s request for $4 million for the State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project (91 ECOP). The 91 ECOP will alleviate traffic congestion along eastbound SR-91 between the 241 Toll Road connector and SR-71 in Corona, especially during peak afternoon commutes between Orange County and Riverside County. 

Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler have been instrumental in advancing RCTC’s request of $3 million for the Mid County Parkway: Ramona Expressway Project. This project, spanning an 8.6-mile stretch of road in the rapidly growing communities of Perris, San Jacinto, Nuevo, and Lakeview, is a significant step towards enhancing safety and furthering the vision of a multimodal corridor.  

Representative Ken Calvert has requested $3 million for the Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension. The project will extend the existing I-15 Express Lanes south by 14.5 miles between Corona and Lake Elsinore and will significantly improve traffic operations and enhance safety. For residents in the surrounding communities, I-15 is the lifeline connecting them to jobs, education, and regional destinations. Once completed, the project will increase travel choices, allow for commuter buses, and improve travel time reliability.

Representative Mark Takano has advanced RCTC’s $2.5 million request for the Metrolink Double Track Project: Moreno Valley to Perris. The project will upgrade 6.5 miles of existing freight track on the 91/Perris Valley Line between the Moreno Valley/March Field Station and just north of the Perris-Downtown Station. The historic tracks are currently rated for much slower speeds than passenger trains require, and the upgrade would improve the reliability of Metrolink service, increase access to jobs and education, and reduce air pollution in this rapidly expanding area of Riverside County. 

RCTC appreciates the leadership and efforts of Senators Padilla and Butler, as well as Representatives Calvert, Kim, and Takano, to bring federal transportation funding to Riverside County to enhance mobility and quality of life for its residents.