On January 29, Coachella Valley Rail (CV Rail) reached an exciting new milestone with the Commission’s approval of $80 million to HDR Engineering to begin the next phase of environmental studies, helping move the project one step closer to reality. This proposed passenger rail service will expand mobility choices in southern California, connecting communities, fueling economic growth, and giving travelers a fast, convenient choice to move across the region.

“CV Rail is a vital transportation investment that will connect Riverside County — particularly the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley — with the rest of Southern California through daily passenger rail service. This project delivers benefits that will positively impact our region for generations. At its core, CV Rail is all about offering residents, visitors, and commuters better choices and smart alternatives to traveling solely by automobile,” said Raymond Gregory, Chair of RCTC and Mayor of Cathedral City. “While there is still work ahead, today’s decision brings us one important step closer to construction.”

This next phase will include the preparation and delivery of an environmental document that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements, design, and station planning in collaboration with Caltrans and other partners. The Commission unanimously certified the Final Tier 1/Program-Level Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report in 2022. In 2023, the Federal Rail Administration added CV Rail to the Corridor ID program – putting the project in a position to better compete for federal funding to advance to final design and construction.

Once completed, CV Rail will establish daily intercity passenger rail service along a proposed 144-mile corridor connecting Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley, with planned stops at Los Angeles Union Station, Riverside, and destinations in the Coachella Valley. The project, along with future investments in our region’s rail network, represents the Commission’s ongoing commitment to delivering transportation projects that offer Riverside County residents convenient mobility options.

Learn more about how CV Rail will transform travel in the region: rctc.org/cvr

The Commission took a bold step toward modernizing how motorists receive help on Riverside County roads by approving a contract with ICF Resources, LLC to conduct a comprehensive study on designing a next-generation Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) that reflects today’s technology and continues to meet the needs of the traveling public, especially following the recent sunset of the county’s call box system.

Before the widespread use of cell phones, call boxes were a lifeline for stranded drivers. Introduced in the 1990s, these roadside devices allowed motorists to request emergency help along highways and major corridors. But as cell phone coverage expanded and call box maintenance challenges mounted, RCTC and transportation agencies across California began phasing out the system. Over the past year, the remaining call boxes in Riverside County were removed.

Recognizing that motorists continue to face roadside emergencies despite the decline of call boxes usage, RCTC is exploring innovative ways to support motorists in need of assistance. The study will be the first-of-its-kind in California and will assess Riverside County’s current Motorist Assistance Program and identify modern alternatives that can fill the gap left by call boxes. The study will analyze various data points, including California Highway Patrol incident data, traffic volumes, and cellular coverage, to pinpoint areas where motorists may lack reliable service. The study will explore mobile-based solutions such as a 511 “call box” app feature, better cellular connectivity in low-coverage corridors, and the use of apps like Waze for real-time incident detection. Additionally, the study will evaluate the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) to optimize service within current funding levels and anticipate future growth needs.

ICF is comprised of specialists in data analytics, emerging mobility technologies, and equity-focused planning. RCTC will coordinate with state and regional partners, including Caltrans, CHP, and local first responders, to ensure the new system leverages cutting-edge technology while remaining responsive to the needs of the community, partners, and stakeholders.

RCTC is asking the public to participate in the renaming of the 79 Realignment Project! RCTC, in partnership with the County of Riverside, is working on Segment 3 of the SR-79 Realignment Project. The project is a proposed new 12-mile county expressway from south of Domenigoni Parkway north to Gilman Springs Road with two lanes in each direction. Since the new corridor will not be part of the state highway system, RCTC is asking residents to help choose a new name that reflects the local character, culture, and identity of the region.

The new expressway is designed to improve safety and connectivity for the growing communities of Winchester, Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding areas in Riverside County. Once complete, the new expressway will include two lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot median, outside shoulders, and space reserved for a future 35-foot-wide transportation corridor and multipurpose trail. Key improvements include wildlife passageways, bridges over Salt Creek Channel, Patterson Avenue, and Patton Avenue, and design elements to enhance traffic flow and safety.

The project was first envisioned as a state route facility and later converted to a county expressway due to funding and state policy changes. RCTC invites the public to participate in the naming process through a short online survey. Residents are encouraged to submit a name that honors the region’s history, culture, and identity. The input gathered will help shape the future of this vital corridor.

Submit your suggestion for the name of the new expressway, along with a brief explanation, by Friday, October 24, 2025. The new name will be selected in early 2026 Each participant will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Fill out the survey at: rctc.org/79-survey

Did you miss one of the three I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension public meetings in October? No need to worry. Riverside County residents still have time to view and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA). The public comment period runs through November 26, 2024. The release of the Draft EIR/EA is a significant milestone for the project, moving the region closer to relieving traffic on this part of the heavily traveled I-15.

The proposed project would extend the I-15 Express Lanes an additional 15.8 miles from El Cerrito Road in Corona through Temescal Valley to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The new Express Lanes would not replace any existing lanes. The project includes adding two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening the pavement and bridges. The project would also add southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes between the Nichols Road on-ramp and the SR-74 (Central Avenue) off-ramp and between the SR-74 (Central Avenue) on-ramp and Main Street off-ramp. Construction on the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension may begin in 2027, depending on funding availability.

To review and comment on the Draft EIR/EA or to view material from the open house public meetings, please visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth

In what marks a significant milestone for the Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension, RCTC and Caltrans have released the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) for the public to review and submit comments. The release of the Draft EIR/EA moves the region closer to relieving traffic on this part of the highway subject to project approval upon completion of the environmental process. Due to rapid population growth along the corridor and increased freight movement, traffic congestion continues to make the commute to and from southwest Riverside County difficult. The project aims to provide alternative travel choices and traffic relief to this region.

The 45-day public comment period runs from October 9 to November 26, 2024. RCTC will also be hosting three open house public meetings to provide the public information and to gather feedback from residents on the project.

The proposed project would extend the I-15 Express Lanes an additional 15.8 miles from El Cerrito Road in Corona through Temescal Valley to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The project would add two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening the pavement and bridges and would not replace any existing lanes. The project would also add southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes between both the Nichols Road on-ramp and the SR-74 (Central Avenue) off-ramp, and between the SR-74 (Central Avenue) on-ramp and Main Street off-ramp.

Once the entire 15.8-mile length is constructed, the project would provide a reliable tolled travel time option to move motorists through this congested corridor and maintain compatibility with the regional Express Lanes network. The project would also increase opportunities for mass transit, such as RTA Express Buses and carpooling.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft environmental document at rctc.org/15ProjectSouth or at libraries in Corona and Lake Elsinore. Comments may be submitted through the following methods:

• Email: 15ProjectSouth@rctc.org
• By U.S. Mail at:
  Jeff Dietzler, Capital Projects Manager (Tolling)
  Riverside County Transportation Commission
  4080 Lemon Street, Third Floor
  P.O. Box 12008
  Riverside, CA 92501
• Three Open House Public Meetings scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates below; the content will be the same at the three meetings. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

For more information on the 15 Express Project Southern Extension and to sign up for project updates, visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth

Over the last few years, grants for transportation projects have become increasingly competitive as agencies work to address the mobility needs of growing communities. Not only is the grant application process lengthy and complex, but an award is also not guaranteed. Recently, the Riverside County Transportation Commission worked closely with the Riverside Transit Agency, the city of Coachella, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to assemble a series of grant applications for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grants program.

The following five Riverside County projects are approved for funding through the REAP 2.0 program:

• Riverside Transit Agency GoMicro Microtransit Pilot Program Extension ($2,378,635)
• CVAG Vehicle Miles Traveled Study ($2,005,000)
• Riverside County Transportation Commission Core Capacity Innovative Transit Study ($3,000,000)
• City of Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study and Integrated Land Use and Transit Network ($2,005,000)
• CVAG (CV) Link Community Connectors Analysis ($1,700,000)

The REAP 2.0 program was open to County Transportation Commissions, such as the RCTC, to apply for a limited amount of funding for projects aimed at reducing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicles miles traveled. Through these projects, RCTC is not only working to address issues related to congestion and air pollution, but also addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities and encouraging sustainable development that produces economic and environmental benefits.

As part of the REAP 2.0 program, submissions had to demonstrate that the studies and projects would eventually encourage housing development closer to where people live and work, reducing the need to travel long distances. These grants will accelerate the state’s progress towards housing goals and climate commitments through a strengthened partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities.

Studies will soon be underway for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project following the Commission’s approval of an engineering and environmental consulting contract on May 10.

RCTC, in coordination with Caltrans, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), and the City of Corona, is proposing to add a lane to eastbound 91 from the 241 Toll Road connector to the 71 connector in Corona. The new lane is designed to help improve traffic operations on eastbound 91, especially during afternoon and evening hours, and enhance safety due to better merging conditions.

“Economic opportunities and population growth in Riverside County create commuting challenges across our region, including on the 91,” said Commission Chair and Lake Elsinore City Councilmember Robert “Bob” Magee. “The 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project study provides a path towards improving traffic flow and safety that will help keep our region moving,” he said.

In 2022, OCTA partnered with RCTC, TCA, Caltrans, and the cities of Anaheim, Yorba Linda, and Corona to complete an alternative analysis study that recommended four design options for the new lane. Under the new contract, the four designs will be analyzed, the preferred option will be selected, and preliminary engineering and environmental approval documentation will be performed. This phase of work is expected to take two to three years.

Once project approval is achieved, RCTC will seek funding for future project phases, including final design and construction. Timing for these next phases of work will depend upon the availability of funding. In April, RCTC’s request to Representative Young Kim for $3 million in federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding was recommended to the House Appropriations Committee. If approved later this year, the funding will go towards future design costs.

The project will complement the 71/91 Interchange, which is replacing the single-lane loop connector with a new, two-lane direct connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 91, helping with traffic operations in western Riverside County. The 71/91 Interchange began construction in January and is expected to open in 2025.

To register for 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project updates, please visit the “Contact Us” section of the webpage, rctc.org/91ecop.

Passenger rail service proposed between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley took another step forward with RCTC’s unanimous certification of its “program level” environmental document on July 13.

Since 2016, RCTC, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Caltrans have been studying expanded travel options through passenger rail between L.A. and the Coachella Valley. Commissioners certified the Final Tier 1 Program Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program following a public hearing that was held as part of the Commission meeting.

The EIS/EIR studied and documented potential environmental impacts of operating this rail corridor service. Certifying the EIS/EIR will not lead to immediate construction and operations; additional Tier 2 or “project level” environmental review is needed before construction may begin. The certification of the EIS/EIR is considered a major milestone as it allows more in-depth Tier 2 “project level” environmental studies to proceed.

“Every day, the project is closer to becoming a reality as an alternative to driving to and from the Coachella Valley,” said RCTC 1st Vice Chair and Lake Elsinore Councilmember Bob Magee. “With the help of our state and federal partners, we continue to take steps toward service that will help our disadvantaged residents expand their travel and employment options, improve air quality for our region, and boost tourism and our desert economy,” he said.

The service is envisioned to begin with twice-daily roundtrips between L.A. Union Station and the Coachella Valley. The 144-mile route would include stops in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Existing stations in Los Angeles, Fullerton and Riverside would be part of the line, the existing station in Palm Springs would be improved for use, and up to five new stations could be built east of Colton with a service endpoint in Coachella.

Work on the Tier 1 program-level environmental studies began in 2016. Last summer, the agencies released the draft environmental document for public review. During the 45-day public comment period, RCTC received 307 comments from public agencies, organizations, and individuals through multiple methods, including two virtual public hearings. Most comments supported the program.

With the certification of the Tier 1 program-level environmental document, RCTC is positioned to start work on Tier 2 project-level environmental studies when funding becomes available. These studies would perform an in-depth analysis of required infrastructure improvements and station locations.

RCTC is actively working with state and federal partners to secure $60 million for this next phase. Earlier this year, the project received a funding commitment of more than $25 million from the State Transportation Improvement Program, and RCTC requested Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding through the federal appropriations process. Ongoing support from stakeholder partners will help deliver this transformative project.

The Point: Comments accepted December 3-February 3 via email, US Mail, or at two public hearings for proposed project

RCTC has completed draft environmental studies for proposed improvements to the Metrolink Riverside-Downtown Station and is seeking comments from residents, commuters, and other interested parties, starting Friday, December 3.

Conducted in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration and Metrolink, the studies support an Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for station improvements that will enhance safety at the station and increase mobility options in Riverside County.

“We are listening. RCTC is encouraging community members to provide feedback about this project, which will allow safer access to the station, a better experience for riders, more efficient train operations, and prepare for future growth in passenger train service in our county and the region,” said RCTC Chair Jan Harnik, who also serves as the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Palm Desert.

The proposed project includes new features on the east side of the station and tracks:

• Building a new platform
• Constructing new tracks and making other track improvements
• Modifying the railroad signal system
• Extending the pedestrian bridge, including elevator and ADA access
• Relocating ADA parking
• Adding parking to the south side of station
• Modifying the bus drop-off area
• Adding sidewalks and lighting

The project is needed to expand capacity of the loading platform for Metrolink riders, and improve train operations, efficiency, connections, and the passenger experience at the station. Increasing freight train service causes delays to Metrolink service at the Riverside-Downtown Station. The improvements are needed to avoid Metrolink schedule conflicts with freight train traffic, reduce delays, and allow for future Metrolink service expansion.

The draft environmental studies will be available for review and comment on the RCTC website, rctc.org/riversidestation-enviro​ and at the following three locations:

• RCTC Offices, 4080 Lemon St., 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92501​
• City of Riverside, 3900 Main St., 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92522​
• Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2060 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92507

In addition, the project team will provide information and collect public feedback at a virtual public hearing and an in-person public hearing this month. Court reporters will be present at both meetings, and visitors may submit comments during the meetings or via email or US Mail by February 3. Spanish interpreters also will attend to assist attendees. City mandates require attendees to wear a face covering for the in-person public hearing.

The Point: Public meeting will allow visitors to talk to project planners, provide feedback

Changes may be coming to the Riverside-Downtown Station, which will allow more efficient Metrolink service and improve the experience for train riders.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission, which owns and operates the station, and Metrolink propose adding another passenger loading platform and tracks, extending the pedestrian bridge, expanding parking, and enhancing pedestrian access to the station.

Join RCTC for a public meeting to learn more and provide comments on the proposed project:

• Thursday, February 6
• 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Abraham Lincoln High School, 4341 Victoria Ave., Riverside

The meeting will feature an open house format with no formal presentation. Team members will be present to talk one-on-one with visitors and answer questions.

The proposed project is part of Metrolink’s new capital improvement program, SCORE (Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion) that will upgrade Metrolink’s system in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Visit RCTC.org/stationimprovements for information about the proposed project.