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PERRIS, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) have scheduled a two-day weekend closure of the 91/Perris Valley Line on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. Metrolink train service will be suspended at the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park/UCR stations. Service will resume on Monday, October 19 in time for the morning commute.

The weekend closure is needed to allow crews to safely perform critical construction activities as part of the RCTC’s Perris-South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility Project. Work will include construction of a new retaining wall, grading for the platform extension, demolition of a segment of the existing platform, track work, and required inspections before the track is returned to service.

No alternate bus or shuttle service will be provided at the affected stations. Passengers traveling to or from the affected stations should plan ahead and arrange alternate transportation. Metrolink service from Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, Corona-West, and other stations west will continue to operate on the regular Saturday and Sunday schedules.

RCTC, in partnership with Metrolink and the City of Perris, is expanding the Perris-South Metrolink Station and adjacent train layover facility. The project will:

• Add a second passenger loading platform at the station;
• Install new canopies and other passenger amenities;
• Construct over 1,000 feet of new station track; and
• Add a fourth track at the layover maintenance facility to help improve Metrolink service operations.

Construction on the $40 million project began in June 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2028. Funding is derived from a mix of local and state transportation sources including $5 million from Measure A, $10 million from the State Transit Assistance Program, and $25 million from the State Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program.

For more information about the project, visit: rctc.org/perrissouthstation

RIVERSIDE, Calif. –  The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) 91 Express Lanes bond ratings have been upgraded by Fitch Ratings, reflecting strong operational performance, reliable express lane operations, and RCTC’s disciplined financial management of the SR-91 toll revenue program.

Fitch upgraded RCTC’s $613 million senior lien SR-91 toll revenue bonds from A to A+ and its $75.7 million subordinate lien SR-91 toll revenue bonds from A- to A. Fitch also assigned a Stable Outlook to both ratings.

The upgrades strengthen RCTC’s position in the credit markets and recognize the continued resilience of the 91 Express Lanes, including effective toll operations, revenue performance, and ongoing investment in technology to support reliable service.

The rating upgrades may help reduce RCTC’s future borrowing costs, strengthening the agency’s ability to deliver transportation improvements while providing long-term value to Riverside County taxpayers.

RCTC financed and built the eight-mile Riverside County extension of the 91 Express Lanes, which opened in 2017. Jointly operated by RCTC and the Orange County Transportation Authority as part of the larger 91 Express Lanes network, the extension has provided motorists with a reliable travel option since opening.

Revenue from the 91 Express Lanes funds operations and maintenance and repays bonds issued to build the infrastructure. Subject to applicable bond and program requirements, toll revenue also supports future projects within the 91 corridor that improve mobility and benefit both express lane customers and general-purpose lane motorists. Recent corridor improvements include the 91 Corridor Operations Project and 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which have improved travel in both the express lanes and general-purpose lanes.

The future 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project is expected to include toll revenue funding, subject to applicable approvals and funding requirements.

For more information, visit https://www.fitchratings.com/research/infrastructure-project-finance/fitch-upgrades-rctc-sr-91-sr-sub-toll-revs-to-a-a-outlook-stable-07-10-2026

Riverside, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has been awarded a $25 million United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to help relieve traffic on the eastbound SR-91 corridor between SR-241 and SR-71 in Corona. The funding marks a major milestone for the SR-91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project (ECOP), bringing the project one step closer to begin construction in 2028.

“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC appreciates the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of this project through the BUILD grant program, and we thank Representatives Ken Calvert and Young Kim for their leadership in supporting the project’s grant application. These funds help improve traffic operations on the 91.”

The 91 ECOP will add a three-mile, non-tolled auxiliary lane on eastbound SR-91 between the SR-241 connector and SR-71 near Green River Road. Improvements will also include widening two bridges, constructing retaining walls, implementing rockfall mitigation measures, replacing overhead signs for better visibility, and building a new two-lane exit ramp at Green River Road.

The SR-91 corridor is one of the most traveled corridors in the United States, serving as a vital link for commuters, businesses, and goods movement throughout the region. The $25 million BUILD grant provides a significant federal investment toward advancing the project from design to construction. RCTC is advancing the project in partnership with the California Department of Transportation and the Orange County Transportation Authority to help improve traffic flow, support economic development, and enhance travel reliability throughout the region.

The final design and construction of the 91 ECOP are estimated at $178 million and will be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds, as well as toll revenues.

USDOT’s BUILD grant program is a nationally competitive discretionary grant program that funds significant transportation infrastructure projects across the country. The grant is used for transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

For more information, visit rctc.org/91ecop.

NUEVO, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), in partnership with the County of Riverside, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project on June 24, 2026. The milestone highlights major transportation improvements now underway to provide a vital east-west connection for Riverside County residents and improve mobility for the region’s growing communities. Construction began in early spring 2026 and is anticipated to be complete in 2028.

“Improving safety and mobility between Perris and San Jacinto has been a longstanding priority for the region. Thanks to our partnership with the County of Riverside and the State of California, we are delivering on that priority,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “This stretch of roadway has experienced serious safety challenges, and these improvements will make travel safer for drivers, bicyclists, and wildlife.”

The project is intended to address safety concerns along an 8.6-mile stretch of Ramona Expressway between one mile east of Rider Street and Warren Road in San Jacinto. Over the next two years, construction will include the installation of a center median to provide a barrier between opposing directions of travel and upgrades for traffic signals at key intersections. As part of the project, the bridge over the San Jacinto River will be reconstructed to accommodate additional lanes and shoulders. Additional improvements, including a wildlife crossing, a buffered bike lane, and new fencing will be implemented throughout the corridor.

The $184 million project is funded through federal, state, and local sources, including more than $21 million from Measure A, Riverside County’s voter-approved transportation sales tax. Additional funding includes $34 million from state programs supporting congestion relief and local planning, $96 million through federal transportation funds, and a $1 million contribution from the County of Riverside.

Local and state officials gathered in Nuevo on Wednesday, June 24, to celebrate the partnership and this significant project milestone.

Construction Progress Photos and Video

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) voted to place a renewal of Riverside County’s half-cent sales tax measure dedicated to transportation funding on the November 2026 ballot. This action gives Riverside County voters the opportunity to determine further investments in transportation infrastructure and services throughout the county without increasing the current sales tax rate.

“Today’s action is about providing revenues for important projects our residents have said are important, which includes the SR-91, I-15, I-10, I-215, local streets and roads, and public transportation throughout the county,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “Voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to maintain long-term funding for transportation improvements without increasing the sales tax rate.”

Commissioners also approved the Riverside County Transportation Improvement Plan (RCTIP), which outlines how these funds will be used if approved by voters. The RCTIP organizes investments into three categories: Highways and Regional Corridors, Local Streets and Roads, and Public Transportation, while maintaining accountability and transparency requirements for managing the use of public funds. It is estimated the renewed transportation measure would generate approximately $280 million annually for transportation improvements and continue until ended by voters.

“For 37 years, local sales tax transportation funding has helped improve local roads, rebuild interchanges, expand freeway capacity, and invest in public transportation throughout Riverside County,” said RCTC Executive Director Aaron Hake. “Local funding matters because it stays in Riverside County, allowing our communities to address local transportation priorities, bring additional state and federal transportation dollars into Riverside County, and deliver projects for the public.”

Current Funding

The current half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation improvements known as Measure A, was first approved by Riverside County voters in 1988 and renewed by voters in 2002. It has generated more than $3.1 billion for transportation projects and services but will expire in 2039. Measure A has also provided more than $1 billion for local streets and roads projects across all 28 cities and the county since 2009, helping communities keep pace with population growth. If the renewal is approved by voters in November 2026, this local revenue would continue to fund transportation projects throughout the county beyond 2039.

Editor’s Note: The Riverside County Registrar of Voters is responsible for assigning the letter designation that will appear on the ballot for the proposed transportation funding renewal measure. That letter has not yet been assigned.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), in partnership with Caltrans, City of Temecula, and Western Riverside Council of Governments, will launch California’s first of its kind Smart Freeway system with the activation of the I-15 Smart Freeway Project on Monday, June 1, 2026. The pilot project will operate for a two-year period and help shape future freeway operations projects throughout Riverside County and the state.

“Launching California’s first Smart Freeway is an exciting step forward for Riverside County,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “Building our way out of traffic congestion is not an option. In today’s environment of rapid growth, we must look at how we can combine technology with existing infrastructure to improve the driving experience. The Smart Freeway Pilot Project is an example of finding a lower cost solution that will help improve traffic flow without the addition of new lanes.”

This project is intended to address the increasing traffic congestion along an 8-mile stretch of northbound I-15 between the Riverside/San Diego County line in Temecula and the I-15/I-215 interchange in Murrieta. As the first-of-its-kind in California, the newly activated system uses advanced technology to improve traffic flow, reduce stop-and-go conditions, and provide more reliable travel times for drivers.

Ramp meters at Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road will operate in coordination to optimize the rate of vehicles entering the freeway during peak hours. Digital message signs will display recommended speeds in real-time to improve safety and traffic flow. During the pilot period, drivers may have a slightly longer wait before entering the freeway, but the goal is to improve overall freeway travel times.

In coordination with Caltrans, RCTC will analyze results over two years to evaluate system performance. A public dashboard will be available by the end of the year to share updates and performance metrics with the community. If the system is determined to be successful, implementation may be considered in other parts of Riverside County and beyond.

The project was funded by federal, state, and local sources. Of the $33 million secured, $27 million came from federal funding; the State provided $1 million, and $5 million was secured through a congressional Community Project Funding request by Representative Ken Calvert. Local, state, and federal officials gathered in the City of Temecula on Friday, May 29 to celebrate the partnership and significant project milestone of the system’s activation.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is advancing the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension with the approval of a contract with SC Constructors. 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 leading transportation agency in California, RCTC is utilizing a Progressive Design-Build method to accelerate completion of the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension, making it the first major infrastructure project on the state highway system to use such a method. The approval of the Phase 1 contract 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 also 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.

RCTC is moving this project forward to provide real traffic solutions for Riverside County’s growing population. 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.

Based on available funding, this project – with an estimated cost of $740 million – could begin construction in late 2027 and open to traffic by 2030. The Progressive Design-Build Phase 1 contract was approved during the Commission meeting on May 13, 2026.

For more information about the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension, please visit: rctc.org/15projectsouth

BEAUMONT, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and City of Beaumont jointly held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 28, marking the start of construction of Phase II of the State Route 60 (SR‑60)/Potrero Boulevard Interchange Project. The groundbreaking event brought together regional transportation partners, elected officials, stakeholders, and community members.

“Projects like the SR-60 Potrero Boulevard Interchange symbolize the strong partnerships RCTC has with our cities and communities to build transportation infrastructure that benefits our growing region,” said Raymond Gregory, Mayor of Cathedral City and Chair of RCTC. “These investments are key to keeping our region moving as our communities continue to grow.”

“By easing congestion on State Route 60 and local streets, we’re helping residents spend less time in traffic and more time with their families,” said City of Beaumont Mayor Jessica Voigt. “These improvements will help people and goods move more safely and efficiently — now and into the future.”

Designed as a key investment in regional infrastructure, Phase II will improve mobility, safety, and economic growth in the City of Beaumont. Building on the success of Phase I, completed by the City of Beaumont in 2019, which introduced a new six-lane Potrero Boulevard overcrossing over SR-60, this project will significantly improve both regional and local traffic flow by providing access to SR-60 for residents and businesses.

Phase II of the project includes:

• Construction of a six-ramp partial cloverleaf interchange at SR‑60 and Potrero Boulevard
• Realignment of Western Knolls Avenue
• Widening Potrero Boulevard to six lanes, improving traffic flow and access to SR‑60

The funding for Phase II is provided from a mix of state and local sources, including the City of Beaumont local funds, Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) revenues, and SB1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) funds. Together, these funds make it possible to deliver this $64 million transportation project.

Construction crews will begin preparing the area near Potrero Boulevard bridge soon and are expected to begin construction on the new interchange in May with the new interchange anticipated to open to travelers in 2028.

RCTC, the City of Beaumont, and Caltrans remain committed to minimizing construction impacts and keeping the public informed throughout the duration of the project. To sign up to receive project updates or for additional project information, please visit: www.rctc.org/PotreroInterchange

For project photos, fact sheet, and additional resources, download the media kit.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is hosting a webinar on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to provide information on the Traffic Relief Plan (TRP). This long-term transportation strategy was developed with input from thousands of residents and communities across Riverside County.

Residents are encouraged to log on to learn more about the TRP and what projects are planned in their community.

Approved by the Commission in 2024, the TRP is a comprehensive countywide strategic blueprint that identifies more than $30 billion in transportation investments to help reduce traffic congestion, repair potholes on local roads and streets, increase the frequency of public transportation, and strengthen Riverside County’s transportation infrastructure against natural disasters.

Following a presentation, residents will have an opportunity to ask questions. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be offered during the webinar.

To learn more about the Traffic Relief Plan, please visit TrafficReliefPlan.org.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has approved an $80 million contract to HDR Engineering to conduct a Tier 2 environmental study, a crucial step in advancing the Coachella Valley Rail Project (CV Rail) to the next phase. The study will include the preparation and delivery of an environmental document that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements, advancing the project toward construction.

“CV Rail is a vital transportation investment that will connect Riverside County — particularly the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley — with the rest of Southern California through daily passenger rail service. This project delivers benefits that will positively impact our region for generations. At its core, CV Rail is all about offering residents, visitors, and commuters better choices and smart alternatives to traveling solely by automobile,” said Raymond Gregory, Chair of RCTC and Mayor of Cathedral City. “While there is still work ahead, today’s decision brings us one important step closer to construction.”

For more information and to download the Project Briefing about Coachella Valley Rail, please visit: rctc.org/cvr-tier2