Archives Press Releases

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

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has approved more than $156 million in construction contracts for two regionally significant projects designed to improve safety and mobility in Riverside County: Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway and SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange – Phase II.

“Safe and reliable transportation is the foundation of our daily lives – connecting us to school, work, and the people who matter to us the most,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, RCTC Chair and Vice Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway will address critical safety improvements in one of the most traveled corridors in our region. Phase II of the Potrero Interchange will enhance regional mobility throughout the San Gorgonio Pass. Together, these two projects will a create a safer and more connected Riverside County for us all.”

Mid County Parkway: Major Safety Upgrades on Ramona Expressway

The Mid County Parkway (MCP) is a 16-mile corridor connecting State Route 79 in San Jacinto/Hemet with Interstate 215 in Perris. The Ramona Expressway segment of MCP is one of the region’s highest priority roadway safety improvement projects. Between 2017 and 2022, this heavily traveled corridor experienced numerous collisions resulting in 14 fatalities and 17 severe injuries.

This segment of the project spans 8.6 miles from one mile east of Rider Street to Warren Road in the City of San Jacinto. The project will address critical safety concerns by widening the roadway to two lanes in each direction and constructing a raised median, wildlife crossing, and a new bridge over the San Jacinto River.

This project is funded through a combination of Measure A sales tax, local partnership contributions, County of Riverside, and state transportation dollars supporting safety and mobility improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in 2029. Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc. was awarded a $107,382,285 construction contract.

SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange: Better Access in the San Gorgonio Pass

The Commission awarded a construction contract for the State Route 60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange (Phase II) Project. The City of Beaumont has partnered with RCTC and Caltrans to deliver this next phase of the project.

Located between Jack Rabbit Trail and the State Route 60/Interstate 10 junction, Phase II improvements will include a new interchange to be built at State Route 60, along with realigned Western Knolls Avenue and a widened, six‑lane Potrero Boulevard. These improvements will enhance access to SR‑60 and support ongoing residential and economic growth in Beaumont and Riverside County.

Phase II improvements are funded through a combination of City of Beaumont Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funds, Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) funding, and a significant state investment through the SB 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), which supports freight mobility and congestion relief across California. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed in 2028. Ames Construction, Inc. (Ames) was awarded the $48,925,559 construction contract.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – IE Commuter, a program funded by San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has been honored with the prestigious Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Industry Impact Award at the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) 39th Annual International Conference.

“We are proud to receive this national recognition for our collaborative efforts with RCTC,” said SBCTA President Rick Denison. “This award reflects the deep commitment of SBCTA to improving the daily lives for our residents by expanding their access to affordable and reliable commuting options.”

“Using carpools, vanpools, and public transportation significantly eases regional transportation congestion,” said RCTC Chair Karen Spiegel. “I am proud of the national recognition our IE Commuter program has in collaboration with our valued partners at SBCTA. Together, we are demonstrating our commitment to improving mobility for Inland Empire residents.”

This ACT National Award recognizes outstanding programs that demonstrate measurable impact in advancing Transportation Demand Management (TDM), improving mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing air quality.

IE Commuter was recognized for its leadership in shifting solo drivers towards shared commute modes through a coordinated blend of employer partnerships, incentive programs, education, and ridematching technology. Serving the Inland Empire, home to more than 4.6 million residents who often face long, complex commutes, the program helps make it easier for commuters to carpool, vanpool, and use public transit instead of driving alone. These efforts help residents save money and time, while reducing emissions, and improving air quality across the region.

The ACT National Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are transforming how people move and connect, fostering more equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. –

The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project will require an extended full closure of the Rancho California Road loop on-ramp for northbound I-15 in Temecula. The loop on-ramp will close beginning on Thursday, August 14 at 9 p.m. through Monday, August 25 at 5 a.m. The closure will allow crews to reconstruct the roadway and construct a concrete barrier on the Rancho California Road on-ramp. The on-ramp will be reconfigured and realigned to create a merge point between the Rancho California Road direct and loop on-ramp.

Motorists are advised to travel east on Rancho California Road, northbound on Ynez Road, and west on Winchester Road to enter northbound I-15.

Closure dates are subject to change due to weather, site conditions, construction progress, and other factors.

The Smart Freeway system provides an innovative solution to reduce traffic without costly roadway expansions that have been increasingly difficult-to-implement. Smart Freeway systems have been tested and found to be successful in reducing travel time, accidents, and greenhouse gas emissions across various parts of Australia and in Denver Colorado. The State now seeks to make the system permanent.

For more information about the Smart Freeway Pilot Project and to sign up for construction updates, please visit www.rctc.org/projects/smart-fwy-pilot/

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) completed the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project, enhancing service for Metrolink passengers on the 91/Perris Valley Line (PVL). This $38 million project was delivered in partnership with Metrolink – southern California’s regional rail operator. On Monday morning, passengers boarded the trains from the new platform and experienced the upgraded station features for the first time.

“Metrolink stations are an important part of our communities, and improvements like this enhance the reliability and appeal of train travel for our residents,” said RCTC Chair and Riverside County Board of Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “I am thrilled the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project is completed and I want to express my gratitude for the funding support from our federal partners, which made this project possible.”

The improvements at the station include:

• A second train platform for easier passenger boarding and increased frequency in the future
• Extended the existing platform from 510 feet to 680 feet, to accommodate the length of Metrolink’s standard six-car trains
• New canopies, mini-high platform, emergency telephone, electronic displays, and signage
• Upgraded 2.5 miles of track that is part of a future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station

These improvements will enhance the Metrolink customer experience service on the 91/ PVL during peak service times. Metrolink offers an alternative to driving, to help relieve congestion on I-215 by providing reliable and efficient transit options for Riverside County commuters, who face some of the longest commutes in southern California.

The project cost $38 million and was funded by a combination of sources. RCTC received a $32 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration as well as local funding from Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure that helps deliver transportation improvements for residents across Riverside County, The project is part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion program, also known as SCORE, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games. RCTC is also planning additional improvements on the PVL to further improve passenger rail service, including the Metrolink Double Track Project, Perris-South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility, and the Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub.

For b-roll and project photos, click here.

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

About the Riverside County Transportation Commission

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) delivers transportation solutions to support our growing region and the economy of the future. We are the steward of the Measure A sales tax dollars, which funds transportation improvements across Riverside County. RCTC owns and operates all the nine Metrolink stations that serve Riverside County. For the latest Riverside County transportation news, visit: rctc.org/the-point

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) closure of the northbound I-15 Rancho California Road direct on-ramp in Temecula is canceled. The extended on-ramp closure, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, June 23 at 9 p.m., has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

The on-ramp closure will be rescheduled for a future date. For the latest update on the closure, please visit: rctc.org/temeculaclosures

About the Riverside County Transportation Commission

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) delivers transportation solutions to support our growing region and the economy of the future. We are the steward of the Measure A sales tax dollars, which funds transportation improvements across Riverside County. For the latest Riverside County transportation news, visit: rctc.org/the-point