Interstate 15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project
Under Construction
Status: Under Construction
Location: Western Riverside County
Type of Project: Highways
Location: Northbound Interstate 15 from the San Diego/Riverside County Line in Temecula to the 15/215 Interchange in Murrieta
Engineering/Environmental Studies: Completed late 2023
Construction: Winter 2025 to Fall 2025
Investment: $33.5 million
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, the City of Temecula, Western Riverside County Council of Governments (WRCOG) are implementing an innovative corridor approach for improved traffic operations on northbound I-15 from the San Diego/Riverside County Line in Temecula to the I-15/I-215 Interchange in Murrieta.
The pilot project will use sensors and “smart” technology to continuously monitor real-time traffic conditions on this eight-mile, non-tolled section of I-15. Severe traffic congestion occurs in this area, due to a high volume of vehicles entering the freeway simultaneously, especially during peak afternoon and evening hours. The pilot project will also use ramp meters that work as a coordinated system that adapts to allow more or fewer vehicles to enter I-15 at any given time from the Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road on-ramps.
Designed as a two-year pilot project, the project is anticipated to improve overall traffic flow and reduce rear-end collisions by maintaining steady travel speeds within the I-15 corridor, without highway expansion and related construction costs and impacts.
Drivers may initially experience short delays on the on-ramps but will gain overall time savings once on the freeway, with fewer stops and starts.
RCTC began construction in January 2025.
Week of September 15, 2025 UPDATED
Week of September 8, 2025
Week of September 2, 2025
Special Construction Update, August 25, 2025
Week of August 25, 2025
Week of August 18, 2025
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Week of July 20, 2025
Week of July 13, 2025
Special Construction Update
Week of June 30, 2025
Week of June 16, 2025
Week of June 9, 2025 UPDATE
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Week of June 2, 2025
Week of May 26, 2025
Week of May 19, 2025
Week of May 11, 2025
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Week of April 7, 2025
Week of March 24, 2025
Week of January 13, 2025
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Construction, including installing the ”smart” technology, coordinating the on-ramp signal timing, and placing roadside informational signs, began January 2025 and should take about a year. Operations may start in 2026 and will continue as a pilot project for two years.
During the pilot period, RCTC and Caltrans will evaluate the project to assess its effect on traffic congestion and determine possible expansion of the program statewide. This schedule is subject to change.
- 2019 – RCTC began exploring smart freeway technologies
- March 2022 – RCTC received $5 million of Community Project Funding in the federal Appropriations Omnibus Bill, through the support of Congressman Ken Calvert. The $5 million allocation will complete the $18 million funding package for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project.
- 2023-2024 – Completion of engineering and environmental studies and final design; release of construction bid
- January 2025 – Construction begins on the project.
Subscribe for updates on the Interstate 15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project
An extended full closure of the Rancho California Road loop on-ramp for northbound I-15 in Temecula will begin Thursday, August 14, at 9 p.m. through Monday, August 25 at 5 a.m.
Join RCTC for an in-person open house meeting for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project.
In-Person
When: Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Temecula City Hall Conference Center
41000 Main Street
Temecula, CA 92590
Virtual
When: Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: rctc.org/SmartFreewayMeeting
RIVERSIDE COUNTY METROLINK STATION IMPROVEMENTS
Under Construction
Status: Under Construction
Location: Western Riverside County
Type of Project: Rail Station Improvements
Location: Riverside County Metrolink Stations
Construction: Various
Investment: Various
For questions related to these projects, email info@rctc.org
OVERVIEW
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) owns and operates the Metrolink stations in Riverside County. Many improvements are being made to the stations to ensure riders have a positive experience.
See below for more information about each of the projects:
This project will address the needs of Riverside County commuters. Benefits and features include:
- Capacity: Adding a second train platform and lengthening the existing train platform to accommodate the length of Metrolink’s standard six-car trains. This will allow for service improvements on the 91/Perris Valley Line — both peak service and reverse commute service to and from adjacent counties — as well as improved service reliability within Riverside County. The project also will upgrade 2.5 miles of track that are part of a future nine mile double-track corridor south of the station.
- Traffic Flow: Reducing traffic congestion on Interstate 215 by providing efficient and reliable public transit options for Riverside County residents who have some of the longest commutes in southern California.
- Clean Air: Reducing auto emissions by encouraging more residents to commute by train.
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2022 and be completed by spring 2024.
This project will expand the Metrolink train layover facility at the Riverside-Downtown Station. The project will allow more trains to be housed at the station at the end of each night shift, which will allow for more efficient service.
Work began in March 2020 and was completed in May 2021.
This project proposes building an additional passenger loading platform and tracks to improve Metrolink service and extending the existing pedestrian bridge for added elevator and stair access.
Environmental studies and final design are under way and are expected to be completed by 2022.
This project is modernizing elevators at the Corona-North Main and Riverside-Downtown Stations by upgrading parts and installing new technology. The upgrades will allow the elevators to run more smoothly and with less down-time or needed repairs.
Upgrades to the Corona-North Main Station elevators were completed in April 2020. Upgrades to the Riverside-Downtown Station elevators are expected to be completed in June 2020.
