The Point: Extension of the 15 Express Lanes to southwest Riverside County will be one of the first to use the progressive design method on the state highway system
RCTC took a significant step to advance the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension with the approval of a Progressive Design-Build Phase 1 contract. The project is a major investment aimed at reducing congestion and improving travel for Riverside County residents along one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors.
“The I-15 corridor is a heavily traveled route in Riverside County and a critical connection for residents, commuters, and goods movement throughout our region,” said Raymond Gregory, Mayor of Cathedral City and Chair of RCTC. “This project is an important step toward helping people spend less time stuck in traffic.”
As a major first for a highway infrastructure project in California, RCTC is utilizing a Progressive Design-Build method to accelerate the delivery of the project. Phase 1 includes the preliminary design along with validating the project scope and negotiating the cost for Phase 2. Phase 2 will include final design and construction.
The project will extend the existing I-15 Express Lanes approximately 15.8 miles south by adding two Express Lanes in each direction from Cajalco Road in Corona to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The project includes widening up to 15 bridges, constructing auxiliary lanes, installing electronic toll collection systems, and implementing drainage and noise reduction features along existing right-of-way.
Based on available funding, the project could begin construction in late 2027 and open to traffic by 2030. Once completed, the project is expected to improve traffic flow and help Riverside County residents and commuters traveling through the I-15 corridor spend less time in traffic.
For more information about the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension and to sign up for updates, please visit: rctc.org/15projectsouth