The Point: Right of way purchases and design could start in 2021

Construction started August 24 on the first piece of the Mid County Parkway – the Interstate 215 Placentia Avenue Interchange – and RCTC is now seeking funding to begin early work on the second piece, a three-mile section of new roadway between Redlands Avenue and Ramona Expressway in Perris.

Designated as “Construction Contract #2,” the section between Redlands Avenue and Ramona Expressway is part of the larger Mid County Parkway, a planned 16-mile corridor between Perris and San Jacinto.

Construction Contract #2 covers a new non-tolled route north of Placentia Avenue, from Redlands Avenue to Ramona Expressway, providing a quicker route from the Lakeview/San Jacinto area to I-215. The new roadway will also serve as an alternative to heavily traveled Ramona Expressway/Cajalco Road. The route will be two lanes in each direction for most of the corridor, divided by a concrete median barrier, and then narrowing to one lane at each end.

Benefits and features include:

  • Access: New east-west alternate route between Redlands Avenue and Ramona Expressway
  • Reduced Travel Time: Non-tolled, largely signal-free corridor
  • Clean Air: Better air quality and less gasoline use from fewer idling vehicles in the area

RCTC is nominating this roadway segment to receive $5.3 million from state gas tax (SB 1) funding for design work. RCTC also has secured federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds to purchase needed land.

Funding for construction, however, is not yet available. If RCTC can obtain construction funding, work could start as early as 2023.

Riverside County residents and businesses are invited to stay connected and work together to improve mobility. To receive future updates about the Mid County Parkway, please provide your contact information below: