The Point: New, non-tolled eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector will improve safety and access
Over the past two years, the residents of the Corona, Chino, and Chino Hills communities – and countless travelers on the 71 and 91 – have seen the impressive 71/91 connector take shape. After the recent weekend closure of the eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp, where crews safely performed a traffic switch to get the new connector and on-ramp ready for vehicles, the new interchange is now open to motorists!
Crews opened the new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector to highway traffic on Saturday morning, June 21, and the realigned on-ramp on Monday, June 23.
Construction of the 71/91 Interchange Project began in January 2023. As part of the project, crews built a new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector bridge that spans over the 91 and Santa Ana River. This new, two-lane direct connector replaces the old single-lane loop connector. The existing eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp was also realigned to provide direct access to the new northbound 71 connector and eastbound 91 general purpose lanes. Crews also constructed a new eastbound 91 auxiliary lane for improved access and merging with the new connector.
During construction, crews excavated 400,000 cubic yards of roadway, used over 9 million pounds of rebar, constructed over 4,000 cubic yards of retaining walls, and are expected to pour over 36,000 cubic yards of concrete by the end of the project. The new connector measures an impressive 100 feet in height and 2,500 feet in length.
The new, non-tolled connector is designed to improve safety, expand access to other modes of travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance traffic flow – providing long-lasting benefits to Riverside County residents and the greater southern California region. The project will also support continued movement through this area by native wildlife such as mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.
Funding for the $137 million project was provided by federal, state, and local sources, including Measure A; the twice voter-approved sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. The delivery of this project further advances RCTC’s goal to improve mobility for the people of Riverside County.
For more information about this project, please visit: rctc.org/71-91interchange