Over the past two years, the residents of the Corona, Chino, and Chino Hills communities – and countless travelers on the 71 and 91 – have seen the impressive 71/91 connector take shape. After the recent weekend closure of the eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp, where crews safely performed a traffic switch to get the new connector and on-ramp ready for vehicles, the new interchange is now open to motorists!

Crews opened the new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector to highway traffic on Saturday morning, June 21, and the realigned on-ramp on Monday, June 23.

Construction of the 71/91 Interchange Project began in January 2023. As part of the project, crews built a new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector bridge that spans over the 91 and Santa Ana River. This new, two-lane direct connector replaces the old single-lane loop connector. The existing eastbound 91 Green River Rd. on-ramp was also realigned to provide direct access to the new northbound 71 connector and eastbound 91 general purpose lanes. Crews also constructed a new eastbound 91 auxiliary lane for improved access and merging with the new connector.

During construction, crews excavated 400,000 cubic yards of roadway, used over 9 million pounds of rebar, constructed over 4,000 cubic yards of retaining walls, and are expected to pour over 36,000 cubic yards of concrete by the end of the project. The new connector measures an impressive 100 feet in height and 2,500 feet in length.

The new, non-tolled connector is designed to improve safety, expand access to other modes of travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance traffic flow – providing long-lasting benefits to Riverside County residents and the greater southern California region. The project will also support continued movement through this area by native wildlife such as mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.

Funding for the $137 million project was provided by federal, state, and local sources, including Measure A; the twice voter-approved sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. The delivery of this project further advances RCTC’s goal to improve mobility for the people of Riverside County.

For more information about this project, please visit: rctc.org/71-91interchange

With a snip of a ribbon, a new regional connection was unveiled which will provide access between the 15 and 71 in western Riverside County. On October 21, 2024, the City of Eastvale and the community celebrated the opening of the Limonite Gap Closure Project with a ceremonial ribbon cutting – unlocking a direct passage for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians between Eastvale, Chino, and surrounding communities. 

RCTC approved $13.5 million in Measure A Regional Arterials (MARA) Program to support the delivery of this vital project. Measure A, the countywide voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure, dedicates transportation funding to projects that benefit Riverside County residents, including significant roadways such as Limonite Avenue. 

Improving connectivity along one of the county’s major roadways, the Limonite Gap Closure Project “closed the gap,” literally, by constructing a 320-foot bridge over the Cucamonga Creek Channel to connect Limonite Avenue from Archibald Avenue to Hellman Avenue. A divided four-lane facility, totaling 2.8 miles of vehicle lanes, was constructed as part of the project and included bicycle and pedestrian facility extensions on both sides of the new roadway. These new features will provide residents with alternative travel options. A new signalized intersection and roundabout will help safely improve traffic flow and reduce idling cars sitting in traffic.  

RCTC is proud of its partnerships with the City of Eastvale and Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) that made this project possible. For more information on the Limonite Gap Closure Project, visit the project website. 

Plan ahead if your schedule calls for driving from the Los Angeles and Orange counties to Riverside County on the 91 the weekend of June 9-12. Motorists traveling east on the 91 this weekend will face heavy traffic due to nighttime closures of the eastbound 91 and closures of both the eastbound and westbound 91 Express Lanes as part of the 71/91 Interchange Project in Corona. The eastbound Green River Rd. on-ramp will also be closed at night.

Closures for the upcoming weekend include:

• Nighttime Full Closures
  • Eastbound 91, Green River Rd. to Serfas Club Dr./Auto Center Dr.
    • Saturday, June 10 from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
    • Sunday, June 11 from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
    • Monday, June 12 from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Day and Nighttime Weekend Full Closures
  • Eastbound and Westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County
    • Friday, June 9 at 9 p.m. to Monday, June 12 at 5 a.m.
• Nighttime Full Closures
  • Eastbound 91 Green River Rd. On-Ramp
    • Friday, June 9 at 9 p.m. to Saturday, June 10 at 7 a.m.
    • Saturday, June 10 at 9 p.m. to Sunday, June 11 at 7 a.m.
    • Sunday, June 11 at 9 p.m. to Monday, June 12 at 5 a.m.

The southbound 71 connectors to eastbound and westbound 91 will remain open. The eastbound and westbound 91 general purpose lanes will remain open during daytime hours.

The closures are needed to allow crews to safely lift a large support structure from the 91 median and place it into a 15-foot diameter, 160-foot deep, drilled hole. The cage is 14 feet in diameter, 160 feet long, and weighs 232,000 pounds. The hole will be filled with 700 cubic yards of concrete to build the foundation for one of the columns of the 71/91 connector.

Due to the large size of the cage and the amount of concrete to be transported (more than 70 truckloads), the lanes must be closed during this procedure for the safety of motorists. This series of weekend closures are being carefully planned with the community in mind. These weekend closures reduce the need for a full weekend closure of the eastbound 91 that would significantly impact drivers, residents, and businesses.

To reduce the time spent in potentially heavy traffic, drivers should avoid the area and use the 57 to eastbound 60 to the 71. A map of the suggested detour route is available below.

West Corona residents may use Green River Rd. to Palisades Drive to Serfas Club Dr./Auto Center Dr. to enter eastbound 91. Motorists should allow for extra travel time to reach local businesses, which will remain open. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

Construction activity is subject to change due to site conditions, weather or other factors. If the work cannot be completed the weekend of June 9-12, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The 71/91 Interchange began construction in February, and the connector is expected to open in 2025. The project will replace the existing single-lane loop connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a two-lane direct connector. Once completed, the project is intended to improve safety, expand access to other modes of travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance traffic flow. The $137 million investment is providing 1,677 jobs during construction.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to 77222 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange.

The Point: RCTC awards construction management contract

Improving the heavily congested and operationally deficient 71/91 Interchange in Corona took another step forward with the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s award last month of a construction management contract to Corona-based Falcon Engineering.

The interchange serves as a gateway between Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties and is a vital link for commuters and freight vehicles that use the 91. The interchange reconstruction project is designed to help relieve traffic congestion, increase travel reliability, improve safety, and enhance air quality.

Project team members are finalizing environmental approvals, plans, and permits before advertising for construction bids next spring. Construction is expected to start during the second half of 2022 and take about three years to complete.

Key construction features will include:

• Replacing the existing single-lane loop connector from eastbound 91 to northbound 71 with a new, non-tolled, two-lane, direct connector ramp
• Building a new, separate lane from Green River Road to east of the 71/91 Interchange
• Realigning the eastbound 91 on-ramp from Green River Road to improve access to the interchange
• Reconstructing a bridge crossing the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tracks

Learn more here.

Last December, RCTC received its final piece of funding from the California Transportation Committee — $58.1 million from state gas tax revenue. The project also is funded is part by Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County and is expected to provide about 1,500 construction-related jobs.

Public support has been significant, with more than 1,100 motorists and residents backing the project through online campaigns. This support was included in last year’s funding application.

The construction contract is estimated to total $121 million and represents another investment in infrastructure in the Corona area. Other adjacent projects include:

• The 91 Corridor Operations Project, which is adding a new non-tolled westbound lane to the 91 from the Green River Road on-ramp to the 241 Toll Road. Construction started last November and is expected to be open in late 2021.
• The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which will link the 15 Express Lanes and the 91 Express Lanes via a tolled connector. Construction began in April. The new connector is anticipated to open in 2023.
• The 15 Corridor Operations Project, which is undergoing environmental studies to add a non-tolled lane to southbound Interstate 15 between Cajalco Road and Weirick Road. Construction is forecast to start in 2023 and the lane could open by 2025.

The Point: New jobs coming, thanks to public support for project

Construction of the 71/91 Interchange in Corona is finally on the way with the last piece of funding approved by the California Transportation Commission on December 2. The Riverside County Transportation Commission applied multiple times for state and federal funding for the project and its persistence paid off with the award of $58.1 million from state gas tax revenue.

The interchange improvement is part of the Riverside County voter-approved Measure A transportation improvement plan, which partially funds the project. The December 2 allocation secures the remaining funds needed to rebuild the interchange and adds about 1,500 construction-related jobs, helping with Riverside County’s economic recovery.

“This funding is long overdue and needed, so this is welcome news for our Riverside County residents,” said RCTC Chair and Wildomar City Council Member Ben J. Benoit. “We look forward to the addition of local construction jobs and the completion of this work, which will help relieve traffic congestion, especially on eastbound 91 during the afternoon commute hours,” he said.

Public support has been significant, with more than 1,000 motorists and residents backing the project through online campaigns. This support was included in the project application, which received the funding nod through a competitive statewide process.

The 71/91 Interchange serves as a gateway between Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino Counties and is a vital link for commuters and freight vehicles that use the 91. Rebuilding the interchange is designed to relieve traffic congestion, increase travel reliability, improve safety, and enhance air quality. Construction is expected to begin in 2022, with the new interchange opening in 2024. Work will include:

• Replacing the existing single-lane loop connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp
• Building a new, separate lane from Green River Road to east of the 71/91 Interchange
• Realigning the eastbound 91 on-ramp from Green River Road to improve access to the interchange

Learn more here.

The CTC also awarded $10.3 million to the McKinley Street railroad/street grade separation project in Corona and $9.4 million to the Limonite Avenue gap closure project in Eastvale. The City of Corona and the City of Eastvale are the sponsors of these projects.

The CTC also approved funding for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s Interstate 15 Corridor Project, which will cross the San Bernardino/Riverside County line to connect with RCTC’s 15 Express Lanes at Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road. RCTC is working with SBCTA on this project to provide a seamless travel experience for express lane customers.

The Point: State to vote on funding proposal for 71/91 Interchange next month

The 71/91 Interchange in Corona moved a step closer to construction, following a recommendation by California Transportation Commission staff on November 16 to fund this project and two others in Riverside County. The CTC will vote December 2 and 3 on the recommendations, which were made through a statewide competitive grant process.

A “yes” vote by the CTC would allocate gas tax revenue from Senate Bill 1 to the following projects:

• 71/91 Interchange Project, Corona: $58.1 million
• McKinley Avenue Railroad/Street Grade Separation Project, Corona: $10.3 million
• Limonite Avenue Gap Closure Project, Eastvale, $9.4 million

RCTC is sponsoring the 71/91 Interchange Project and applied multiple times for state and federal funding. The interchange improvement is part of the voter-approved Measure A transportation improvement plan, which provides partial funding for the project. The $58.1 million allocation will provide the remaining funds needed to rebuild the interchange, which serves as a gateway between Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino Counties and is a vital link for commuters and freight vehicles that use the 91.

“Funding for the 71/91 Interchange is welcome news for residents of Riverside County. Funding for this deficient interchange is long overdue,” said RCTC Chair and Wildomar City Council Member Ben J. Benoit. “We strongly urge the CTC to support their staff’s funding recommendation.”

Click here or text RCTC to 77222 to voice support for CTC’s funding of this interchange.

The non-tolled interchange is designed to reduce traffic congestion, increase travel reliability, improve safety, and enhance air quality. The $121 million construction effort will replace the existing single-lane loop connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp, build a new, separate lane from Green River Road to east of the 71/91 Interchange, and realign the eastbound 91 on-ramp from Green River Road to improve access to the interchange. If the CTC approves funding for the project, construction may begin in 2022 and open in 2024. Learn more here.

The City of Corona and the City of Eastvale are the sponsors of the McKinley Street and Limonite Avenue projects that also were recommended for funding.

The CTC also recommended that the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority receive $118 million for its Interstate 15 Corridor Project, which will cross the San Bernardino/Riverside County line to connect with RCTC’s 15 Express Lanes at Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road. RCTC is working with SBCTA on this project to provide a seamless travel experience for express lane customers.

The Point: Support will strengthen application for state funding to upgrade interchange

We would like to hear from you! Residents and drivers are encouraged to voice their support for the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s application of state funding to upgrade the 71/91 Interchange in Corona. The new interchange is designed and ready to build, and RCTC is actively seeking additional funding to start construction.

The new non-tolled interchange will improve traffic flow and safety for eastbound travelers on the 91 and those merging onto the 91 from Green River Road. Funding this project will also provide jobs to help with economic recovery for the region.

The interchange serves as a gateway between Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties and is a vital link for commuters and freight vehicles that travel along the 91.

The project will:

• Replace the existing single-lane loop connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp
• Build a new, separate eastbound auxiliary lane from Green River Road to east of the 71/91 interchange
• Realign the eastbound 91 on-ramp from Green River Road to improve interchange access

The project is one of several that RCTC has planned for western Riverside County. Construction is starting this month on the I-15 Railroad Canyon Interchange in Lake Elsinore and this fall on both the 91 Corridor Operations Project between Green River Road and Route 241 and the I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange in Perris. Design work is under way now on the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector.

If funding is secured for the 71/91 Interchange, construction could begin in 2022 and open in 2024.

Click here to register support for this project or learn more here.

The Point: Public may register support for rebuilding this interchange  

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is seeking a $25 million federal grant to rebuild the State Route 71/State Route 91 interchange in Corona. The interchange is operationally obsolete and creates a traffic bottleneck on the highly congested 91 corridor between Orange County and Riverside County.

RCTC has designed the new interchange and is ready to build it, but there is not enough funding available. The $25 million grant would be matched by $92 million in local funds to construct the estimated $117 million project. For the first time, RCTC has created a page (click here) for citizens to register their support for this effort. Supporters’ names will be included in RCTC’s grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funding is available through the federal “Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development” (BUILD) program. Applications will be evaluated based on safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, innovation, partnerships and additional non-federal revenue for transportation infrastructure investments. The maximum grant award is $25 million, and no more than $150 million can be awarded to a single state.

The project would replace the existing connector with a safer, more efficient direct connector by eliminating the current loop connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71. Also included is construction of an additional lane from Green River Road to east of the 71/91 interchange to improve traffic flow between the two highways. The eastbound 91 Green River Road on-ramp also would be slightly realigned.

The project is designed to enhance efficiency and mobility for residents, businesses, visitors and interstate travel, improve air quality, and reduce collisions in this area.

RCTC sought funding through the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, also known as SB 1 or the Gas Tax, but the project was not selected for funding in the initial cycle. The BUILD federal grant provides another opportunity for funding. If chosen, project construction activity would begin in 2020.