Archives Press Releases

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).

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.