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RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Executive Committee unanimously selected Aaron Hake as the next RCTC Executive Director at its November 8, 2023, meeting. The Executive Committee is responsible for the selection of RCTC’s executive director. When Hake assumes the Executive Director role on May 2, 2024, he will lead 81 staff members across nine departments, including management of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), with an overall annual budget of approximately $1 billion.

“Throughout Aaron’s 17 years of service to RCTC, his leadership and effectiveness has resulted in major wins for our region, from funding for major infrastructure projects to passage or defeat of key legislation. Aaron’s credibility and deep knowledge of Riverside County and transportation policy in this era of change will be invaluable as we work to deliver the transportation infrastructure we know this county needs,” said RCTC Chair and Lake Elsinore City Council Member Robert “Bob” Magee. “The Executive Committee’s swift action demonstrates the high-level of confidence we have in Aaron to lead RCTC into the future.”

“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the RCTC Executive Committee,” said Deputy Executive Director Aaron Hake. “Having lived in Riverside County nearly my entire life and raising a family here, I know the value of a quality transportation system and maintaining open space to our residents. Every day, Riverside County residents and businesses depend on our unrelenting effort to deliver improved regional transportation. I am committed to serving our communities with integrity, finding solutions together, and advocating for projects that make life better in Riverside County.”

Hake began his career at RCTC in 2006 by successfully working on transportation policy and project funding advocacy, including for transportation improvements on State Route 91 and Interstate 15. In 2016, Hake was promoted to Director of External Affairs where he spearheaded the development of the Commission-adopted Traffic Relief Plan, a strategy to fund a backlog of transportation improvements and to plan for Riverside County’s future transportation and mobility needs. In 2021, Hake was promoted to Interim RCA Deputy Executive Director when RCTC became the managing agency of the RCA. In 2022, Hake became RCTC’s Deputy Executive Director, overseeing RCTC’s multi-modal, express lanes operations, finance, external affairs, administrative services departments, and the RCA.

“Successfully implementing one of the nation’s most ambitious habitat conservation plans in California’s fastest growing region is an unprecedented challenge, but Aaron’s leadership has done just that. Having worked with Aaron over the last few years to accelerate habitat conservation by implementing streamlined approaches, collaborating with stakeholders, and successfully securing more state and federal funding, I am confident he will elevate our work on behalf of the residents of Riverside County,” said RCA Chair and Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson.

Hake has long been a civic leader in Riverside County, serving as the Chair of the Riverside County Planning Commission, Chair of the City of Corona Planning Commission, and Treasurer of the City of Corona. He has served as Board Chair of the Inland Southern California United Way and has served on numerous other local nonprofit boards of directors.

Hake was honored with the 2022 Women in Transportation-Inland Empire chapter Secretary Ray LaHood Award recognizing his career-long commitment to advancing women in the transportation profession.

Hake earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from American University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Hake is a resident of Norco, California.

Hake will replace Anne Mayer, who announced her retirement on October 16, 2023, after sixteen years as RCTC’s Executive Director. Mayer will continue to serve as Executive Director until May 1, 2024.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) have scheduled a two-day weekend shutdown of the 91/Perris Valley Line in the cities of Perris, Moreno Valley, and part of Riverside on November 11-12, 2023. The 91/Perris Valley Line interruption will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park Metrolink stations, leaving passenger rail services unavailable. Alternate transportation will be provided by Metrolink to accommodate passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.

Metrolink service from the Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services operating out of the affected stations will also run regular Saturday and Sunday schedules.

The two-day shutdown for the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project will provide safe conditions for crews to continue infrastructure development by installing train switches, signal improvements, and track upgrades for future service enhancement. RCTC and Metrolink value our passenger rail riders and appreciate their patience during the weekend closure.

Construction began on the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project in October 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2024. The project is adding a second passenger train platform, extending the existing platform to accommodate the length of standard Metrolink six-car trains, and upgrading 2 ½ miles of tracks for the future nine-mile double track corridor to the Perris – South Station.

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of increasing commuter rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County voter-approved Measure A.

For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has scheduled full closures of the eastbound 91 and southbound 15 in Corona on Sunday, October 22 from 12 midnight to 7 a.m. The full closures will allow crews to safely work on support structures and overhead signage installation for the 71/91 Interchange and the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector projects.

The full closures on the eastbound 91 will allow crews to continue to construct support structures that will extend across the 91 for the new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector. The new connector will replace the current loop connector when the project is complete. The 91 closures include:

• Full eastbound 91 closure from Green River Road to Serfas Club Drive, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Full eastbound 91 Express Lane closures in Riverside and Orange Counties, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Full westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Eastbound on-ramp closure at Green River Road, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Motorists traveling eastbound on the 91 are encouraged to avoid the area by using northbound 57 to eastbound 60 to southbound 71 as routes to get around the closure.

Drivers who need to reach Green River Road or choose to use the local detour should plan for heavy delays. Travelers may use the eastbound 91 exit at Green River Road to Palisades Drive or Serfas Club Drive to re-enter the eastbound 91. Fire, police, and ambulance will have access for emergency response.

Weeknight eastbound 91 full closures will continue Monday to Wednesday nights through November 21, 2023. For more information on the eastbound 91 full closures, visit rctc.org/7191Closures.

The full southbound 15 closure is needed to allow crews to install overhead signage over I-15 near Hidden Valley Parkway. The southbound 15 will be closed from Hidden Valley Parkway to the 91 on Sunday, October 22 at midnight and reopen at 7 a.m. Motorists may use Hidden Valley Parkway to Main Street to access westbound and eastbound 91, and southbound 15. The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector started construction in 2021 and may open by the end of the year.

Motorists traveling eastbound on the 91 and southbound 15 should plan extra time to reach local destinations and businesses. Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

To register for construction updates visit, rctc.org/71-91interchange and rctc.org/15-91connector

For maps, images, and b-roll video, click here.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – With great recognition and congratulations, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) announces that Executive Director Anne Mayer intends to retire from RCTC upon the selection of a new executive director in the spring of 2024.

“On behalf of all 33 RCTC Commissioners, I want to thank Anne Mayer for her incredible contribution to improving the transportation infrastructure throughout Riverside County,” said RCTC Chair and Lake Elsinore City Council Member Robert “Bob” Magee. “From the massive expansion of the 91 Freeway to the multiple interchanges we improved along the I-10 and I-15 corridors to the expansion of our Metrolink system, Anne has helped this Commission complete scores of projects and set in motion future improvements that will benefit our region for generations to come,” he said.

“As I look back on the last 18 years at RCTC, I am incredibly proud to have led a team of remarkable professionals who completed substantial transportation projects in Riverside County,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer. “I want to thank the Commission for their trust that allowed us to try new ideas and go after big projects, and we succeeded,” she said.

Mayer, a Professional Engineer with a civil engineering degree from Michigan State University, joined RCTC as Deputy Executive Director in May 2005 and was appointed Executive Director in 2007. Under Mayer’s leadership, RCTC continued to deliver promises made to Riverside County residents through the Measure A half-cent sales tax approved by Riverside County voters first in 1988 and again in 2002. Measure A funds regional and local transportation improvements and habitat conservation. Mayer ensured that transportation projects and programs safely connect Riverside County’s diverse communities while preserving the region’s natural landscapes.

Leading RCTC and its 81 staff, Mayer oversaw the completion of billions of dollars in transportation improvements to benefit the residents of Riverside County and the region’s economy. These projects include completing the Perris Valley Line, the first expansion of Metrolink service since 1994; the I-215 Bi-County Gap Closure Project; the I-15 Express Lanes Project; and the SR-91 Corridor Improvement Project. In 2022 alone, Mayer spearheaded the completion of five major projects, including the 91 Corridor Operations Project, the I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange Project, the I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project, the 60 Truck Lanes Project, and the I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange. Not far behind, progress continues with the 15/91 Express Lane Connector, which is scheduled to open later this year, 71/91 Interchange Project currently under construction.

When RCTC became the managing agency of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) in 2021, Mayer led the effort to accelerate habitat conservation for 146 protected or endangered species in western Riverside County.

“It is my pleasure to honor Anne Mayer on the announcement of her pending retirement in 2024. When RCTC became the managing agency for the RCA, Anne’s leadership had an immediate calming effect on RCA’s work, and it helped the Board focus its efforts and resources on meeting our key goals,” said RCA Chair and Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson. “On behalf of the RCA Board of Directors, I want to thank Anne for her tireless service to habitat conservation and wish her the very best in retirement. There is no doubt in my mind she will be missed,” she said.

While Mayer’s engineering background has helped problem-solve transportation and conservation projects, she has applied her expert knowledge to local, state, and federal policy decision-making to ensure that Riverside County receives its fair share of funding and that state and federal policies support RCTC’s work. Mayer’s efforts included discussions with elected and government officials in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., describing the vast and unique needs in Riverside County. This work resulted in millions of dollars in funding that helped complete projects on time and within budget.

Mayer’s distinguished career includes nearly 15 years with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), including three years as District 8 Deputy District Director for Design and four years as District 8 District Director, implementing transportation projects across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

As a leading voice for transportation infrastructure improvements across inland Southern California for 40 years, Mayer’s dedicated work has earned her recognition, including the California Transportation Foundation’s Person of the Year award; the Orange County Chapter Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Woman of the Year award and the Inland Empire WTS Woman of the Year award; and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce presented Mayer with the Athena Award for demonstrated professional achievement, community service, and mentorship.

“I have had a very fulfilling career, and I am proud of our accomplishments. I am confident the RCTC team will continue to build upon the Commission’s legacy of excellence in the months and years ahead,” Mayer said.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) urges drivers to steer clear of eastbound 91 in Corona on Monday through Wednesday nights to avoid traffic delays. Full eastbound 91 closures for the 71/91 Interchange Project will begin on Monday, October 16 and continue through Tuesday, November 21.

Full closures will allow for the safe construction of support structures that will extend across the entire width of the 91. To achieve height clearance on the 91 roadway, the structures will reach approximately 30 feet high. Crews will also be placing beams across the 91 that will measure about 120 feet long and weigh 18 tons each. More than 200 beams will be placed over the freeway forming a tunnel- like structure which will be used to support the new bridge while it is being constructed.

Motorists traveling eastbound on the 91 should plan extra time to reach local destinations and businesses near the 71 and 91. To ensure the safety of motorists and construction crews, the project will require closures from Monday to Wednesday. Closures include:

• Full eastbound closure of 91 lanes from Green River Road to Serfas Club Drive, Monday through Wednesday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Full eastbound 91 express lane closures from Orange County/Riverside County Line to 15/91 Interchange from Monday – Wednesday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Eastbound on-ramp closure at Green River Road from Monday – Wednesday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

To reduce time in traffic, motorists traveling eastbound are encouraged to avoid the area by using northbound 57 to eastbound 60 to southbound 71 as routes to get around the closure.

Drivers who need to reach Green River Road or choose to use the local detour should plan for heavy delays. Travelers may also use the eastbound 91 exit at Green River Road to Palisades Drive or Serfas Club Drive to re-enter the eastbound 91. Fire, police, and ambulance will have access for emergency response.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Weeknight westbound 91 full closures are expected to begin following the completion of the eastbound support structure work.

To register for construction updates, text 7191INTERCHANGE to 77222 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/7191closures.

For maps, images, and b-roll video, click here.

The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, also known as the RCA, is seeking volunteer members for its Stakeholders Committee. Applications are due October 18.

RCA Chair Natasha Johnson will appoint members to the committee with ratification by the RCA Board of Directors. The Committee will meet as requested by the Chair or Board — at least twice per year. Johnson, who also serves as Lake Elsinore City Mayor, encouraged qualified potential members to apply.

“Building community requires the voices of its people. This holds true, especially as the RCA works to preserve our beautiful open space and natural resources in western Riverside County in order to shape our growing region,” she said. “As the Chair of RCA, I invite members of the public who believe in this work to apply to serve on the RCA’s Stakeholders Committee. The preservation of our lands, the protection of our threatened species, and the future development and prosperity of the region is in our hands. Will you join us?”

The Stakeholders Committee, which will be appointed annually, will include up to 16 members, with membership from the following:

• Groups representing property owners affected by the MSHCP
• Groups representing environmental interests implicated by the MSHCP
• Groups representing the building industry within the area affected by the MSHCP

Committee members will give input to the RCA Board of Directors on agenda topics as directed by the Board, which aims to preserve 500,000 acres of habitat in western Riverside County to protect 146 animal and plant species. This habitat conservation helps communities and species thrive, accelerates construction of needed infrastructure like transportation projects and housing, and bolsters the local economy.

To apply, go to wrc-rca.org/stakeholders-application. Prospective members can submit the completed form online or can print a copy and submit by email to igarcia@rctc.org or by U.S. mail to:

Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority
Attn: Italia Garcia
4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor
Riverside, CA 92501

For questions, please contact Italia Garcia via email or by calling (951) 787-7953.