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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

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).