The Point: Allow extra travel time and watch for construction work – and unlucky black cats
A full closure of the southbound Interstate 15 Railroad Canyon Road off-ramp in Lake Elsinore is coming this weekend, November 13 (yes, Friday the 13th!), to allow crews to widen and connect the new ramp to the Railroad Canyon roadway.
The work is part of the I-15 Railroad Canyon Interchange Project, which began in May and now is more than 20 percent complete. RCTC is working with Caltrans and the City of Lake Elsinore to deliver the project for improved safety, capacity, traffic flow, clean air, and access for this growing region.
The off-ramp will be closed this Friday, November 13 at 9 p.m. to Monday, November 16 at 4 a.m. for crews to shift k-rail, remove the existing pavement, excavate, install irrigation for future landscaping, and repave and restripe the off-ramp to provide extra capacity for vehicles exiting I-15.
Periodic lane closures will be required along Railroad Canyon Road during this work, but luckily, at least one lane will remain open in both directions. Local traffic signals will be set to “flash” this Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. to prepare for the off-ramp closure and then be set again to flash during the weekend closure.
Bundy Canyon Road may be used as a detour route. Please allow extra travel time on Friday morning and throughout the weekend and watch for construction workers and equipment, black cats, ladders, broken mirrors, and the number 13. Also, be aware of changing travel conditions, including the 60 mph speed limit in the I-15 project area. Traffic fines are doubled in construction zones, which would be no bueno.
Making Progress
During the first six months of work, crews focused on temporary roadway paving, drainage systems, and utility relocations. The team also completed the new southbound I-15 Railroad Canyon Road on-ramp and retaining wall and median and irrigation work on Grape Street, Summerhill Drive, Railroad Canyon Road, Diamond Drive, and Casino Drive.
During the months ahead, crews will continue building retaining walls, relocating utilities, constructing drainage systems, and paving ramps. A weekend closure for the southbound I-15 Railroad Canyon Road on-ramp also is planned.
The new interchange is anticipated to open in late 2022, if luck will have it and the weather cooperates.
Stay Connected
Sign up for email construction updates at RCTC.org/railroadcanyon. Be in the know on the go by texting RAILROAD to 772-22 and receive text updates straight to your mobile device. Also, follow @railroadcanyon on social media.