The I-15 is a major lifeline for residents and commuters across southern California – connecting cities, major job hubs, cultural centers, and recreational areas. Residents of Temecula and nearby communities experience some of the highest traffic volumes along this corridor, but a recently completed project aims to make travel in this region a little bit easier. On October 1, 2024, the City of Temecula cut the ribbon on the I-15 Congestion Relief Project designed to improve operations and safety on a heavily congested segment of northbound I-15.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) approved $3.5 million in Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) funding that helped make the $4.4 million project possible.  

The project constructed a new 1.5-mile auxiliary lane on northbound I-15 between the Temecula Parkway on-ramp and the Rancho California Road off-ramp. This auxiliary lane allows motorists to get on and off I-15 with minimal disruption on the four general purpose lanes. This new lane will help improve traffic flow and safety along the corridor. Retaining walls were also constructed along the east side of I-15 and the undercrossing beneath the Santiago Road bridge was widened as part of the project.

The project was envisioned by a years-long effort by the Move I-15 Through Temecula Valley Regional Task Force – a group consisting of RCTC, elected officials from the region, and various transportation planning agencies that focused on anticipated congestion efforts in the southwestern part of Riverside County. The result of this collaboration paved the way for the I-15 Congestion Relief Project and RCTC’s I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project – which is slated to start construction later this year.

Riverside County’s continued growth underscores the vital need for transportation solutions along the heavily traveled I-15. With the completion of the I-15 Congestion Relief Project, along with planned future improvements along this busy corridor, local and regional efforts are working together to improve the region’s transportation network for our residents.

For more information about this project, please visit: TemeculaCA.gov/CongestionRelief 

The Riverside County Transportation Commission unanimously approved $135 million for 18 significant regional transportation projects in June. The approved projects will help relieve traffic congestion and improve transportation safety. From street widenings to a grade separation and roadways extension projects, these transportation projects are designed to improve mobility.

“Regional arterial roads are the backbone of our communities and their economies,” said Commission Chair and Lake Elsinore City Councilmember Robert “Bob” Magee. “RCTC continues to deliver on promises made to Riverside County voters to improve mobility for our residents and businesses. Many communities will see tangible results from the funds approved by the Commission,” he said.

Funding for arterial projects is vital for mobility and economic opportunities in Riverside County. Roadway arterials help our residents access their jobs, homes, and local businesses. Arterial projects such as the Bundy Canyon Rd./Scott Rd. Widening in Menifee will widen existing roadway, redesign and realign curves to current standards, construct new and improve existing traffic signals, and will provide an Active Transportation Corridor (ATP Corridor) for bicyclists, pedestrians, and even small electric vehicles.

This is just one example of improvements on one project. Other projects throughout the County will see improved safety, connectivity, and air quality in our communities thanks to Measure A and TUMF.

Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax that provides funds for passenger rail, public transit, local streets and roads, and major highway projects, will fund approximately $85 million of the awarded amount. Measure A includes specific funding in western Riverside County for regional arterials, which are major regional roadways. The Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) will provide $50 million of the awarded funds. TUMF is an impact fee on new land development in western Riverside County.

Projects receiving funding include:

• City of Banning – Sun Lakes Extension ($13,500,000/Measure A)
• City of Beaumont – Second St. Extension ($1,500,000/Measure A)
• City of Beaumont – Potrero Interchange Phase 2 ($8,000,000/TUMF)
• City of Calimesa – Realign Calimesa Blvd. at Cherry Valley Blvd. ($5,200,000/TUMF)
• City of Corona – Ontario Ave. Widening ($7,938,781/Measure A)
• City of Eastvale – Limonite Ave. Gap Closure Project ($13,500,000/Measure A)
• City of Menifee – McCall Blvd. Widening Project ($3,140,000/Measure A)
• City of Menifee – Bundy Canyon Rd./Scott Rd. Widening ($632,440/Measure A) & ($9,367,560/TUMF)
• City of Moreno Valley – Indian St./Cardinal Ave. Bridge (Over Lateral A) ($750,000/Measure A)
• City of Murrieta – Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. Widening – Margarita to SR-79 ($3,000,000/Measure A)
• City of Perris – Ethanac Rd. Bridge over San Jacinto River & and Extension ($8,798,000/TUMF)
• City of Riverside – Third St. Grade Separation ($12,000,000/Measure A)
• City of San Jacinto – Esplanade Ave. Widening – Sanderson to Warren ($3,960,00/Measure A)
• City of Temecula – Ynez Rd. Improvements ($1,475,000/Measure A)
• City of Wildomar – Clinton Keith Rd. Widening ($2,254,919/Measure A) & ($3,396,221/TUMF)
• City of Wildomar – Bundy Canyon Rd. Improvement – Segment 2 ($13,298,440/Measure A)
• City of Wildomar – Bundy Canyon Rd. Improvement – Segment 3 ($8,050,420/Measure A)
• County of Riverside – Cajalco Rd. Widening and Safety Enhancement ($15,000,000/TUMF)

Including last week’s approved projects, Measure A Arterial Regional program has provided funding to more than 25 regional arterial projects since its inception in 2009.