The I-215 serves as a crucial transportation corridor for the Inland Empire, connecting cities such as Riverside, San Bernardino, Murrieta, and Moreno Valley, while facilitating the movement of commuters and goods between major freeways and economic hubs. As the region continues to grow, this vital corridor plays an essential role in reducing congestion and supporting regional development.

One significant infrastructure project that has improved travel along this corridor is the I-215/Van Buren Boulevard Interchange Project, located near the March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley. Completed in 2015, the project began construction in 2012 and was a collaborative effort between the Riverside County Transportation Department (RCTD), Caltrans, the March Joint Powers Authority (March JPA), and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). The project was designed to accommodate future growth by reconfiguring the previous tight diamond interchange. The enhancements included the addition of new on-ramps, realignment and widening of Van Buren Boulevard, and replacement of existing bridge structures over the railroad and freeway. Additionally, the I-215 was widened between Cactus Avenue and Harley Knox Boulevard, with a minor realignment of the southbound lanes to improve traffic flow.

Further improvements outside the interchange included new traffic signals and streetlights, upgraded lighting at the northbound ramps, auxiliary lanes along the I-215 between Van Buren Boulevard and Cactus Avenue, and acceleration and deceleration lanes south of Van Buren Boulevard.

Visual design elements were integrated into the bridge structures, retaining walls, and surrounding landscaping to reflect the area’s military heritage. Moreover, regional access to the Riverside National Cemetery and March Air Museum was significantly enhanced as a result of the new interchange. The project team was recognized with the American Planning Association’s 2015 IES-APA Urban Design Award for their work in urban planning and design.

Funding for the project came from Measure A, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure aimed at transportation improvements in Riverside County, which facilitated its progression to construction. The collaboration among RCTD, Caltrans, March JPA, and RCTC ensured that the interchange meets the transportation needs of the region.

On June 16, 2025, the City of Temecula, RCTC, and project partners gathered to celebrate the completion of Phase 2 of the French Valley Parkway Improvements Project.

The I-15/215 junction serves as a vital connection for Riverside County and the greater southern California region. This junction connects travelers from San Diego and beyond and is a vital lifeline for residents of Temecula and Murrieta. As southwest Riverside County continues to grow, the I-15 corridor and ramps have become increasingly congested, but relief is on the way.

Phase 2 of the French Valley Parkway Project addresses a major traffic bottleneck on northbound I-15 between Winchester Road and I-15/215 by constructing a concrete barrier to separate highway and on-ramp traffic. It features new dedicated ramps for motorists entering northbound I-15, including a new bridge overpass for direct access to I-215, which eliminates troublesome merging and weaving.

For nearly 20 years, RCTC prioritized funding for the French Valley Parkway Project, recognizing the project’s pivotal role in alleviating congestion in the region. RCTC allocated $47 million in State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding for this project, one of the largest such allocations for a project.

Looking to the future, Phase 3 of the French Valley Parkway Project is a cornerstone of RCTC’s Traffic Relief Plan – a regionwide transportation improvement blueprint aimed at enhancing mobility across Riverside County. Partners in the region are working to start construction on future phases of French Valley Parkway to further alleviate traffic congestion. Phase 3 includes construction of the full-width of French Valley Parkway between Jefferson Avenue and Ynez Road, including the bridge overcrossing of I-15, and connecting on-ramps to the new dedicated on-ramps constructed in Phase 2. Phase 4 will construct a new northbound off-ramp and southbound on-ramps for the French Valley Parkway interchange, and new dedicated ramps along southbound I-15.

RCTC is also working on additional improvements along the I-15 Corridor in Temecula and Murrieta with the construction of the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project – a first of its kind in California. Completion of Phase 2 of the French Valley Parkway Improvements Project, along with planned future improvements along this busy corridor, demonstrate how local and regional agencies are working collaboratively to improve Riverside County mobility for all residents.

For more information about this project, please visit: TemeculaCA.gov/FVP

Born in 1923, Joseph Tavaglione spent much of his life improving Riverside County through his community service for better transportation infrastructure across the region. Joe was appointed by Governor Gray Davis, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Jerry Brown, and Governor Gavin Newson to serve on the California Transportation Commission (CTC) where he was recognized as one of the longest serving members. As a CTC Commissioner, he took a part in approving billions of dollars in funding for transportation infrastructure in the Inland Empire.

On January 22, 2025, family, friends, and community leaders gathered in Riverside to honor the legacy and memory of Joe who passed away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 101. In recognition of his substantial contributions to our region’s transportation system, the California State Legislature officially designated the 60/91/215 interchange as the “Joseph Tavaglione Memorial Interchange.”

The 60/91/215 Interchange project, located at the heart of the Inland Empire, was completed in 2008 and is just one example of his tireless efforts to make sure that transportation projects in the Inland Empire were funded and completed. Joe’s leadership and vision united transportation leaders, elected officials, and community members not just in the Inland Empire but across California to work together to improve the state’s transportation system.

Joe’s leadership ensured our communities received state funding for widening I-215, SR-91, I-15, and SR-60, and constructing the Perris Valley Line, railroad grade separations, interchanges, and active transportation projects across all corners of Riverside County. Joe’s contributions to transportation planning and infrastructure, economic development, and various charitable causes have not only left a lasting impact on Riverside County and the broader southern California region but brought our communities closer together.

The Point: Study to be postponed for about two years   

A study to weigh the possibility of new express lanes is on hold, following a vote by RCTC Commissioners on September 11.

Earlier this year, RCTC completed a feasibility study for new express lanes on State Route 91 in Riverside, State Route 60 between Jurupa Valley and Moreno Valley, and State Route 60/Interstate 215 between Riverside and Moreno Valley. The study looked at converting current carpool lanes to express lanes and, in some cases, also adding a new lane.  The Commission then voted to pursue more in-depth studies of the carpool lanes in these three areas, including analysis of multiple options on these routes.

Simultaneously, Caltrans is conducting studies of carpool lanes in Riverside County and San Bernardino County.

The Riverside City Council adopted a resolution August 20 opposing conversion of the carpool lane on State Route 91 into an express lane.  The Riverside County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution September 10 to oppose converting carpool lanes to express lanes that do not allow two-person carpools to ride without a fee. After several RCTC Commissioners raised questions and concerns, the Commission placed the study on hold on Sept. 11.

At the meeting, Riverside Mayor and RCTC Commissioner Rusty Bailey noted the need to gather information to make an informed decision about expanding express lanes, but questioned the timing of conducting the study.

“Given the concerns raised by the Board of Supervisors and Riverside City Council and given that Caltrans has plans to do similar mobility analysis, I don’t believe this is the best use of our limited resources at this time,” he said.

Through a vote of 25-5, the Commission voted to place the study on hold until Caltrans concludes its analysis or until staff recommends that the Commission discuss the item further. The Caltrans studies are anticipated to take about two years.

In the meantime, RCTC is continuing construction of the 15 Express Lanes Project between State Route 60 and Cajalco Road, with the new lanes planned to open during the second half of 2020. RCTC also is conducting engineering and environmental studies of the 15 Express Lanes Southern Extension between Cajalco Road and State Route 74. In 2020, construction will begin on the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which will provide a direct connection to the 91 Express Lanes from southbound Interstate 15.