Help Shape the Future Franklin Street Bridge!
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and City of Lake Elsinore, in partnership with Caltrans and the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) are developing an aesthetic design for the new Franklin Street Bridge, and we want to hear what you think!
The design is intended to be simple, timeless, and distinctly Lake Elsinore, while also creating a visual connection to other bridges and streetscape improvements throughout the City. Rather than duplicate the aesthetics of the nearby Grunder Drive Bridge, the Franklin Street Bridge will have its own unique character while sharing design elements that create a cohesive family of complementary structures throughout the City of Lake Elsinore.
Here’s a look at some of the proposed elements:
Decorative Fence
A repeating colored-diamond pattern inspired by the Grunder Street Bridge will incorporate colors from the City logo, creating a subtle connection between the two bridges. Black vinyl fence fabric will provide a clean, timeless appearance.
Dual-Globe Lighting
Dual-globe light standards will extend the lighting style being introduced along Main Street and Downtown. Black decorative poles will provide an inviting, safe, and cohesive aesthetic while adding visual interest to the bridge.
Pacific Clay-Inspired Brick
A red-brick formliner on the bridge barrier will honor Lake Elsinore’s longstanding connection to Pacific Clay Products, a local brick manufacturer with roots in the area dating back decades. It will be framed by natural concrete. This treatment will also be used on the decorative bridge pedestals.
City Logo Pedestals
Decorative pedestals will display the City logo on both sides, making it visible from the freeway and bridge. Subtle uplighting will highlight the logo and build on the aesthetic approach that will be used at the nearby Temescal Canyon Bridge.
Bridge Elements
A simplified diamond pattern will extend throughout the bridge, reinforcing the design in a clean, familiar way for passing motorists.
Together, these elements are intended to create a bridge that feels welcoming, recognizable, and representative of the City of Lake Elsinore’s identity and history, while maintaining a timeless and cohesive design.
The I-15 / Franklin Street Interchange Project includes environmental clearance, design, and construction of a new full‑access interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore. The project consists of a new overcrossing at Franklin Street, new on and off‑ramps, and improvements to adjacent roadways and intersections, as well as modifications to the I‑15 mainline to support interchange operations.
I-15 Franklin Street Interchange: Franklin Street Bridge Aesthetics Survey (Deadline to submit is Wednesday, September 30, 2026)