Archives Press Releases

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is proud to announce that the new 71/91 interchange will open to motorists on Monday, June 23, 2025. The new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector has been under construction since early 2023. As part of the project, crews constructed a 2,500 feet long connector bridge over the 91 and Santa Ana River, realigned the Green River Road eastbound 91 on-ramp, and constructed an auxiliary lane for improved access to the new connector.

For crews to safely open the new interchange to highway traffic on Saturday morning, June 21, and the realigned eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp on Monday morning, June 23, phased closures are required this upcoming weekend, beginning Friday, June 20.

The 71/91 Interchange Project will require a full weekend closure of the eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp in Corona from Friday, June 20 at 9 p.m. through Monday, June 23 at 6 a.m. The closure is required to perform a traffic switch for the new, non-tolled eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector and realigned eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp.

During the weekend closure, crews will be permanently closing the existing eastbound 91 to northbound 71 loop connector and realigning the eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp for direct access to the new northbound 71 connector and eastbound 91 general purpose lanes. The closure will also allow crews to perform final lane striping, guardrail and roadway signage installation, and electrical work.

The full weekend closure construction activity is as follows:

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access to emergency response.

For b-roll and project photos, click here.

For more information about the closures, please visit: rctc.org/7191closures

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

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) will implement a full closure of the Rancho California Road direct on-ramp to northbound I-15 in Temecula. The closure will begin on Monday, June 23 at 9 p.m. and remain in effect through Tuesday, July 1 at 5 a.m. This closure is necessary to allow crews to safely demolish and reconstruct portions of the on-ramp for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project.

During these closures, crews will extend a second lane of the on-ramp by several hundred feet and create a safety pocket for emergency vehicles. The work will also involve reconfiguring and realigning the ramp to create a merge point between the loop and the direct on-ramps for Rancho California Road.

RCTC will require a similar closure of the northbound 15 Rancho California Road loop on-ramp in July.

During the extended full closure, motorists are advised to travel west on Rancho California Road, northbound on Jefferson Avenue, and east on Winchester Road to enter Northbound I-15.

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

Once operational, the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project will use a dynamic, coordinated ramp metering system to regulate the number of vehicles entering the highway at any given time, allowing for a smoother traffic flow on the northbound 15. The system is designed to improve traffic and reduce collisions on the eight-mile stretch of the northbound I-15 from the County Line in Temecula to the I-15/I-215 Interchange in Murrieta.

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

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

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) will require an extended full closure of the northbound I-15 Temecula Parkway on-ramp beginning on Sunday, May 11 at 9 p.m. through Monday, May 19 at 5 a.m. This ramp closure is needed to allow crews to safely demolish and reconstruct portions of the on-ramp to provide an additional lane for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project. The work will require the use of heavy construction equipment during the extended closure.

During the closure, motorists are advised to travel west on Temecula Parkway, northbound on Old Town Front Street, east on Santiago Road, north on Ynez Road, and west on Rancho California Road to enter northbound I-15.

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

Once in operation, the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project will use a dynamic coordinated metering system to allow more or fewer vehicles to enter the highway at a given time, allowing for a smoother traffic flow on the northbound 15. The system is designed to improve traffic and reduce collisions on the eight-mile stretch of the northbound I-15 from the County Line in Temecula to the I-15/I-215 Interchange in Murrieta.

For more information about the Smart Freeway Pilot Project and the Temecula Parkway on-ramp closure, visit rctc.org/temeculaclosures.

BEAUMONT, Calif. – The City of Beaumont and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) are pleased to announce that RCTC is taking the lead on two key infrastructure projects in Beaumont: Phase II of the SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange Project and the initial planning and feasibility phase for the I-10 / SR-79 (Beaumont Avenue) Project.

These critical infrastructure projects, led by RCTC in partnership with the City of Beaumont, will enhance regional mobility, improve traffic flow, and drive economic growth throughout the entire San Gorgonio Pass Area. The Phase II Potrero Boulevard expansion and I-10 / SR-79 (Beaumont Avenue) Project are key to improving connectivity and supporting the region’s continued development.

The SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange Project, located between Jack Rabbit Trail and the SR-60/Interstate 10 junction, will continue with major improvements in Phase II including:

• Widening Potrero Boulevard on both sides of SR-60 to six lanes;
• Adding two direct on-ramps, two loop on-ramps, and two direct off-ramps; and
• Realigning Western Knolls Avenue with Potrero Boulevard north of the proposed interchange.

Additionally, RCTC, the City of Beaumont, and Caltrans are collaborating to improve the I-10 / SR-79 (Beaumont Avenue) interchange and nearby roads in Beaumont. This critical area is a hub for both local traffic and commuters traveling through Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, as well as freight moving across the Western U.S. These proposed improvements aim to ease traffic and enhance connectivity for everyone traveling through this vital intersection.

“These projects are a major step forward in improving mobility for our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Mike Lara. “By investing in major infrastructure, we are not only improving daily travel for our residents, but we are laying the foundation for future development that benefits our entire community,” said Councilmember Lloyd White, who also served as the Past Chair of RCTC.

“RCTC is proud to take the lead on these projects that will help improve the lives of residents in Beaumont and the surrounding communities, and for commuters traveling through this busy corridor,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Chair of RCTC and Vice-Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “The collaboration between RCTC, the City of Beaumont, and Caltrans will help deliver these vital transportation projects to shape the future of travel in Riverside County.”

Construction for the SR-60 / Potrero Interchange Project is anticipated to begin in early 2026, pending approval by Caltrans and construction bid advertisement and award by RCTC. The City is committed to keeping residents and businesses informed throughout the entire process to minimize disruptions.

For more details on the Potrero Boulevard project and other city initiatives, visit www.beaumontca.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) are proud to announce the launch of “Experience Metrolink” through IE Commuter. Starting today, residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties can receive complimentary Metrolink tickets for up to 90 days, providing an opportunity to experience train travel for work or leisure anywhere Metrolink operates across southern California.

“Whether you are commuting to work or exploring southern California, Metrolink provides a relaxing way to travel,” said Karen Spiegel, Chair of the Riverside County Transportation Commission and a member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “With Experience Metrolink, more residents can discover the convenience of passenger rail and experience firsthand how the service can fit into their daily routines.”

This program aims to introduce more residents to the benefits of Metrolink, encouraging them to make train travel a more frequent choice for commuting or recreation. By increasing transit use, the initiative also helps reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Signing up to receive your free tickets is simple. First, visit IECommuter.org/RideFree and create an account to request your tickets. Then ensure you have a corresponding Metrolink account (via Metrolink Mobile App) with the same email address. The tickets will appear in your Metrolink App Ticket Wallet within three business days. Commuters using Metrolink for work may qualify for additional incentives through IE Commuter.

Experience Metrolink is made possible through grant funding from Caltrans’ Low Carbon Transit Operations Program and IE Commuter – a program of RCTC and SBCTA – in coordination with Metrolink.

For more information visit IECommuter.org/RideFree or call 1.866.RIDESHARE (866.743.3742).

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is advising motorists traveling on southbound 71 in Chino and Chino Hills to be prepared for weeknight full closures beginning Monday, March 3. Southbound 71 will be closed at Butterfield Ranch Rd/Euclid Ave, Monday through Friday nights, beginning March 3 through March 28. The southbound 71 to eastbound and westbound 91 connectors will also be closed.

The closures are scheduled to take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights, and 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday nights. The nighttime closures are needed as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project and will allow construction crews to safely remove support structures from the recently constructed new sections of the connector. Additional nighttime lane reductions configurations on eastbound and westbound 91 may also occur during these nightly closures.

To avoid lengthy traffic delays, motorists are highly advised to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on the southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Butterfield Ranch Rd/Euclid Ave off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors.  Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, is reconstructing the 71/91 interchange in Corona. The project will replace the single-lane loop connector between the eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage. For the latest closure information, visit: rctc.org/7191Closures

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is alerting motorists to steer clear of the westbound 91 in Corona on weeknights due to full westbound 91 closures between State Route 71 and Green River Road for RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project starting on Monday, December 2. The full nighttime westbound 91 closures are scheduled Monday through Wednesday nights. Due to the holidays, no closures will be scheduled from December 18 through January 2, 2025. The full westbound 91 closures will resume on Monday, January 6 and are anticipated to be completed on January 22, 2025.

Motorists traveling on the westbound 91 and southbound 71 should plan extra time to reach local destinations and businesses in the area. Detailed closure information below:

• Full closure of westbound 91 lanes from the 71 to Green River Road, Monday through Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Full westbound 91 Express Lanes closures from I-15 to the Orange County/Riverside County Line, Monday through Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Full southbound 71 to westbound 91 connector closure, Monday through Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Full southbound 15 to westbound 91 Express Lanes connector closure, Monday through Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Full northbound 15 to westbound 91 Express Lanes connector closure, Monday through Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Westbound 91 Green River Road off-ramp closure, Monday through Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

To avoid lengthy traffic delays, motorists are highly advised to avoid the westbound 91 by using the northbound 71 to westbound 60 to southbound 57 to get around the closure. Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

The full closure will allow crews to remove more than 40 beams of support structures that span above the westbound 91 lanes. This work requires precision and time to be completed safely. Over the summer, crews completed a similar operation with the removal of support structures over eastbound 91.

RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, is reconstructing the 71/91 interchange in Corona. The project will replace the single-lane loop connector between the eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) awarded $40.5 million in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant funds to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for the development and construction of a new Metrolink station/mobility hub in Riverside County’s unincorporated region of Mead Valley. The Mead Valley Metrolink Station/Mobility Hub project is a partnership between RCTC and the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority (Metrolink). The new station will be located between the existing Moreno Valley/March Field and Perris Downtown stations along the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line (91/PVL).

Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, will also contribute $3.7 million along with $6.3 million in RCTC-controlled State Transit Assistance funds. The final design for this $50.5 million project is anticipated to begin in 2025.

“As more people move to the cities and communities along I-215 corridor, the Commission is planning for and delivering much needed transportation projects that will connect our region with the rest of southern California and help reduce traffic congestion,” said RCTC Chair and City of Beaumont Councilmember Lloyd White. “We welcome the state partnership in our effort and are grateful to CalSTA for awarding this vital funding. The new Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub will benefit not only Mead Valley residents but also the entire Riverside County region.”

The new station will provide an additional Metrolink access point on the 91/PVL and feature:

• Side platforms along the future double track alignment
• Canopies to provide shade for waiting passenger rail passengers
• Centrally located bus loop and bus bays for unloading and loading
• Parking spaces easily accessible for rail and bus passengers and carpool and vanpool users

The 91/PVL serves the growing communities along I-215. As housing, industrial, and commercial centers continue to develop, Mead Valley communities have experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing need for more transportation options. As a centrally located hub, the new station will provide additional access for Metrolink service, allow for bus connections, and offer easy access for commuters to carpool or vanpool to job centers across the region.

The Mead Valley Metrolink Station/Mobility Hub represents RCTC’s ongoing commitment to deliver transportation projects that offer Riverside County residents convenient mobility options. The project is estimated to be completed by 2029.

Draft Environmental Document Available for Public Review 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have released the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) for the proposed Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension today for the public to review and submit comments. The 45-day public comment period runs from October 9 to November 26, 2024. RCTC will host three public hearings to provide the public information and to gather feedback from residents on the project.

The proposed project would extend the I-15 Express Lanes an additional 15.8 miles from El Cerrito Road in Corona through Temescal Valley to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The new Express Lanes would not replace any existing lanes. The project consists of adding two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening the pavement and bridges. The project would also add southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes between both the Nichols Road on-ramp and the SR-74 (Central Avenue) off-ramp, and between the SR-74 (Central Avenue) on-ramp and Main Street off-ramp.

Once the entire length is constructed, the project would provide a reliable tolled travel time option to move motorists through this congested corridor and maintain compatibility with the regional Express Lanes network. The project would also increase opportunities for mass transit, such as RTA Express Buses and carpooling.

RCTC will respond to comments following the closure of the public comment period and prepare a Final Environmental Document for Commission consideration. Construction on the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension may begin in 2027 depending on funding availability.

Public participation is crucial. Residents are encouraged to review the draft environmental document beginning October 9 through November 26 at rctc.org/15ProjectSouth or at libraries in Corona and Lake Elsinore. Comments may be submitted through the following methods:

• Email: 15ProjectSouth@rctc.org
• By U.S. Mail at:
  Jeff Dietzler, Capital Projects Manager (Tolling)
  Riverside County Transportation Commission
  4080 Lemon Street, Third Floor
  P.O. Box 12008
  Riverside, CA 92501
• Three Open House Public Meetings scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates below; the content will be the same at the three meetings. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

In 2019, RCTC began preliminary engineering and environmental studies work on this segment of the 15 Express Lanes Project. The release of the Draft EIR/EA is a major milestone, moving the region closer to relieving traffic on this part of the highway. Due to rapid population growth along the corridor and increased freight movement, traffic congestion continues to make the commute to and from southwest Riverside County difficult. The project aims to provide alternative travel choices and traffic relief to this region.

For more information on the 15 Express Project Southern Extension, visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth