If you have recently traveled on the 91 and 15 Express Lanes, you may have noticed improvements to the roadway thanks to RCTC’s recently completed slab pavement replacement project. As part of the toll program’s ongoing maintenance efforts, several deteriorating slabs on the 91 and 15 Express Lanes were replaced to maintain safe and smooth roads.

Throughout November and December, a total of 61 slabs were replaced. These slabs displayed some cracking requiring replacement to prevent rapid deterioration and reduce roadway hazards. Construction crews cut out these existing slabs in segments, performing this work at night to ensure the safety of the crews and to reduce travel time disruptions. After the replacement slabs were in place, crews performed grinding and striping to ensure a smooth roadway.

These slab replacements provide a noticeably enhanced driving experience thanks to smoother pavement and profile grinding. This work also helps extend the life of the pavement, reducing the frequency of future repairs and lowering long-term maintenance costs.

Thanks to these improvements, motorists driving on the 91 and 15 Express Lanes can also expect more consistent and reliable travel times.

Fitch Ratings, a prominent New York-based credit ratings agency, has upgraded the debt outlook for the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) from Stable to Positive. This upgrade demonstrates RCTC’s impressive financial performance and highlights the potential for a higher debt rating in the near future.

This upgrade is a response to the robust traffic and revenue levels on the 91 Express Lanes, indicating a strong demand for this vital transportation corridor. During the November announcement, Fitch also reaffirmed its existing ratings for RCTC’s 91 toll revenue bonds.

This upgrade signals confidence in RCTC’s fiscal health and management, suggesting that continued effective operational strategies could lead to further improvements in RCTC’s credit rating. A positive outlook benefits our community and fosters ongoing investments in infrastructure that enhance mobility and connectivity for Riverside County residents.

The Point: Upgrade to Commission’s debt rating a result of I-15 Express Lanes exceeding performance metrics  

Fitch Ratings, the New York-based provider of credit ratings that provides assessments about the creditworthiness of government agencies, corporations, and other entities, recently announced an upgrade to RCTC’s debt rating associated with the funding of the I-15 Express Lanes. RCTC financed a portion of the project through a $152.2 million federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan. The I-15 Express Lanes opened April 2021 and exceeded baseline performance metrics, prompting Fitch to upgrade the loan rating from ‘BBB-‘ to ‘BBB+’.

“The improved debt rating signals the trust and confidence earned through RCTC’s financial stewardship, and represents a long-standing commitment to transparency, disclosure, and excellence in financial reporting,” said RCTC Chair and City of Beaumont Councilmember Lloyd White.

Fitch announced the rating upgrade for the TIFIA loan at the end of December, while also affirming its rating (BBB+) and upgrading the debt outlook to positive for RCTC’s 91 toll revenue bonds – reflecting the strong traffic and revenue levels on the 91 Express Lanes.

In October, RCTC was also recognized with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – the 30th consecutive year the agency has been awarded with such an honor – capping off another strong year of financial performance and related reporting. The award is issued by the Government Finance Officers Association annually to state and local governments who exceed minimum financial reporting requirements.

With much anticipation from the commuting public, the Riverside County Transportation Commission is excited to announce the new 15/91 Express Lanes Connector opened early November 21, 2023, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend!

“The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector was a vital missing piece of the 91 Express Lanes Project in Riverside County. With the opening of the connector, a regional link now exists so that our residents can have a reliable trip within and outside our County,” said RCTC Second-Vice Chair and Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “Building transportation infrastructure takes time. RCTC completed this project in record time so that our residents can get home faster to be with friends and family,” she said.

The new connector allows for a seamless transition from the eastbound 91 to northbound 15 and southbound 15 to westbound 91 Express Lanes. In addition to the new connector, the project also extended the outside lane on the eastbound 91 through the I-15 interchange to the Promenade overcrossing. With this improvement, the eastbound 91 Express Lanes were extended approximately one-half mile, helping vehicles merge in the area.

“Over the last two years, I have seen the new connector being built by our hard-working crews. Residents along the 15 and the 91 will benefit from having a reliable trip for generations,” said Commissioner Berwin Hanna and Norco City Councilmember. “The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector will help drivers in the northwest get to their businesses and homes promptly while keeping our communities connected,” he said.

The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector is RCTC’s third toll system opening in the past six years, with the first 91 Express Lanes opening in Corona in 2017 and the 15 Express Lanes opening in 2021. Senate Bill 132 (2017) provided $180 million of the $270 million project cost. Toll revenue generated by the 91 Express Lanes covered the remaining $90 million. During construction, the project created more than 2,300 quality construction jobs for our local economy.

To use the lanes and the new connector, be sure you have a properly mounted FasTrak® transponder in your vehicle, linked to a prepaid account. If you don’t have an account, you may open one at riversideexpress.com or by calling 855-951-1500. A FasTrak® transponder issued by any California toll agency will be accepted. Drivers will pay the rate shown for each travel segment when they enter the lanes. Rates will adjust on both the 91 and 15 Express Lanes based on real-time traffic conditions to help maintain free-flowing travel conditions.

In the weeks ahead, RCTC will monitor traffic conditions throughout the toll systems to ensure efficient and smooth operations. All toll systems in Riverside County have switched to dynamic pricing to ensure traffic flows smoothly, resulting in a reliable trip regardless of day and time. Dynamic pricing rates are based on real-time traffic conditions and the congestion level within the toll lanes. Tolls may change as frequently as every three minutes and will be reflected on the Express Lanes signs.

Carpools of three or more per vehicle with an active account and a FasTrak® Flex (switchable) transponder will pay a 50% discounted rate or ride for free for a limited time. If you ride a motorcycle, you may use the lanes for no charge. Drivers of zero-emission vehicles will receive a 15% discount. For more information, please visit riversideexpress.com.

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.

Steer clear of westbound 91 in Corona or be prepared for heavy traffic delays, due to an upcoming weekend closure of all lanes on westbound 91 from Interstate 15 to Lincoln Avenue. The closure will start Friday, January 27 at 10 p.m. and continue to Monday, January 30 at 5 a.m.

The full closure is needed for crews to perform work on two adjacent RCTC projects, the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector and the 91 Refresh Project. Work is being combined into one weekend closure for both projects to reduce the impact to drivers, residents, and businesses.

During the weekend, crews for the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector will be removing the overhead support structures placed a year ago above the 91 to build the connector. At the same time, the 91 Refresh crews will continue repaving lanes on westbound 91, an area with a long history of roadway settlement between I-15 and Lincoln Avenue.

All westbound 91 lanes in this area will be closed including the westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County. The westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp, the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, and the westbound 91 connectors from I-15 will also be closed.

To reduce time spent sitting in your car, steer clear of the closure area and use westbound 60 to southbound 71 or 57 as alternate routes. See regional detour map below. You also can catch a ride on Metrolink and skip driving altogether. Please visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules, fares, and other information.

If you must use streets near the closure area, please expect traffic congestion and allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Area businesses will be open the weekend of January 27-30. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.

To reach Main Street in Corona, plan for delays and use the detours provided:

• From westbound 91, head north on I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.
• From northbound I-15, exit at Magnolia Avenue, head northeast on Magnolia, and then west on Sixth Street to Main Street.
• From southbound I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.

The westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp will be closed, so local traffic can use River Road or Railroad Street to Lincoln Avenue to enter westbound 91. Traffic likely will be heavy.  On-ramps at Maple Street and Auto Center Drive are other options for westbound travel.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors. If the work cannot be completed the weekend of January 27-30, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Both projects are partnerships between RCTC and Caltrans. The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector is expected to open in late 2023. The 91 Refresh Project is anticipated to be completed this spring.

To register for construction updates, text CONNECTOR to 844-771-0995 and text 91REFRESH to 77222.

So, take time to start that DIY project, catch up on your favorite show, or start that book you’ve been meaning to read. It’s just not a good weekend to be driving on westbound 91 in the Corona area or other points east and west.

Thank you and remember to steer clear, stay safe, and tell friends and neighbors about the closure.

Start planning now for this weekend’s full closure of westbound 91 from Interstate 15 to Lincoln Avenue in Corona. The closure will occur Friday, December 9 at 10 p.m. to Monday, December 12 at 4 a.m. to allow RCTC’s 91 Refresh Project crews to continue to safely repave lanes.

Other westbound 91 facilities will be closed in this area, including the westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County, the Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp, the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, and the Interstate 15 connectors to westbound 91. Interstate 15 will remain open.

With holiday shopping and get-togethers likely to be on many calendars this weekend, please plan ahead by avoiding the area or allowing plenty of extra time to head west. Motorists should steer clear by using westbound Route 60 to southbound Route 71 or 57 as alternate routes.

Those who need to access Main Street in Corona should plan for delays and use the detours noted below.

• From westbound 91, head north on I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.
• From northbound I-15, exit at Magnolia Avenue, head northeast on Magnolia, and then west on Sixth Street to Main Street.
• From southbound I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.
• The westbound 91 Main Street ramps will be closed, so motorists should follow detour signs to enter the 91 at Lincoln Avenue. Traffic likely will be heavy.

Motorists also are advised to use Metrolink passenger rail as a travel alternative and to allow extra time to reach the Corona-North Main Station. Please visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules, fares, and other information. Weekend fares are $10 per day throughout southern California, with three children 17 and under riding free with each paying adult.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather, staffing, or other factors. If the repaving cannot be completed this weekend, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The 91 Refresh Project is a partnership between RCTC and Caltrans to repave lanes and repair sound walls and concrete barriers along the outer portions of eastbound and westbound 91 in Corona. Work has occurred mainly between the Lincoln Avenue interchange and Interstate 15, an area with a long history of roadway settlement.

To register for construction updates, text 91REFRESH to 77222 or visit rctc.org/91refresh.

Closure news release is available here.

Heavy traffic delays are expected, and motorists should avoid the area, follow detours, and allow for extra travel time. This extended closure period will help reduce the number of remaining weekend full closures required for the 91 Refresh Project.

Westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp

Full closures will be required of the westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp, the two dedicated lanes on westbound 91 leading to the Main Street off-ramp, and the westbound 91 auxiliary lane from the Main Street on-ramp to the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp.

Main Street businesses, the Corona-North Main Metrolink Station, and the adjacent Park and Ride Lot will remain open. Two options are available to reach Main Street from I-15:

• Exit at Hidden Valley Parkway and head west to Main Street
• Exit at Magnolia Avenue, head northeast on Magnolia, and head west on Sixth Street to Main Street

From Main Street, drivers can enter westbound 91 at the Lincoln Avenue on-ramp or other on-ramps to the west. The westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue ramps will remain open, but traffic congestion is likely in that area.  Please see detour map for details.

I-15 to Westbound 91 Connectors

The northbound I-15 to westbound 91 connector will be reduced from two lanes to one lane from November 12 – 21.

To implement the temporary lane reduction configuration, there will be a full nighttime closure of the northbound and southbound I-15 to westbound 91 connectors on Saturday, November 12 beginning at 10 p.m. to Sunday, November 13 at 8 a.m. Motorists who must travel on westbound 91 from the I-15 will be detoured to the eastbound 91 and exit at McKinley Avenue to reenter westbound 91.

For a full timeline of closures starting on Saturday, November 12, visit rctc.org/91-refresh-closures

The 91 Refresh Project is a partnership between RCTC and Caltrans to repave lanes and repair sound walls and concrete barriers along the outer portions of eastbound and westbound 91 in Corona. Work will occur mainly between the Lincoln Avenue interchange and Interstate 15, an area with a long history of roadway settlement.

Work will continue through the fall. Up to two weekend closures may be scheduled before the project is completed in late 2022.

To register for construction updates, text 91REFRESH to 77222 or visit rctc.org/91refresh.

Please plan ahead and avoid the 91 in Corona this weekend.  A full closure of eastbound 91 in Corona is set for Friday, October 21 at 10 p.m. to Monday, October 24 at 5 a.m. to allow RCTC’s 91 Refresh Project crews to continue to safely repave lanes. This closure will be an even bigger deal than the two previous weekend closures on eastbound 91 in Corona in mid and late September.

All eastbound 91 lanes will be closed from Lincoln Avenue to Main Street. The eastbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County and the eastbound 91 on-ramps at Auto Center/Serfas Club Drive, Maple Street, and Lincoln Avenue also will be closed throughout the weekend.

Motorists traveling east from Orange County and Los Angeles County are strongly advised to steer clear of the 91 by using northbound 57, the preferred route, or northbound 71 to connect with eastbound 60.

Travel east of the 71 is expected to be especially heavy and should be avoided by through-traffic. Drivers who continue past the 71 should avoid Lincoln Avenue, which will be used as a detour. These drivers will be required to exit, turn back onto westbound 91, and then travel to northbound 71 to connect to the 60 for eastbound destinations. Due to the turnaround at Lincoln, traffic delays also are likely on westbound 91 approaching Corona

Lincoln-area businesses will remain open. Customers may access businesses by following signs. Drivers will be unable to use the Lincoln Avenue bridge over the 91, but pedestrian access will be maintained.

Residents should consider riding Metrolink as a travel option to bypass the closure. Roundtrip weekend fares are $10 across southern California. Visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules and other details.

The 91 Refresh Project is a partnership between RCTC and Caltrans to repave lanes and repair sound walls and concrete barriers along the outer portions of eastbound and westbound 91 in Corona. Work is taking place mainly between the Lincoln Avenue interchange and Interstate 15, an area with a long history of roadway settlement. Construction will continue through the fall, with at least two additional weekend closures to be announced.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather, staffing, or other factors. If the repaving cannot be completed this weekend, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

To register for construction updates, visit rctc.org/91refresh or text 91REFRESH to 77222.

Another full closure of eastbound 91 in Corona is set for Friday, September 30 at 10 p.m. to Monday, October 3 at 5 a.m. to allow crews for RCTC’s 91 Refresh Project to continue to repave lanes.

All eastbound 91 lanes will be closed from Main Street to just west of Interstate 15 throughout the weekend. The eastbound 91 Express Lanes and the eastbound 91 Main Street on-ramp also will be closed. The 15/91 Interchange will remain open.

The closure is needed for the safety of motorists and crews while the paving work is under way. This work follows the full closure of eastbound 91 in this same area on September 16-19; crews will be replacing temporary asphalt with permanent concrete to give motorists a smoother ride.

Steer clear by using Routes 60, 71, or 57 or Interstates 15 or 215 as alternate routes. Those who must travel on eastbound 91 should expect significant delays and use the northbound/southbound I-15 connectors as shown on the detour map below.

• From southbound I-15, exit at Magnolia Ave., enter northbound I-15, and use the 15/91 connector to eastbound 91.
• From northbound I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Pkwy., enter southbound I-15, and use the 15/91 connector to eastbound 91.

Residents also should consider riding Metrolink as a travel alternative. Roundtrip weekend fares are $10 across southern California. Visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules and other details.

The 91 Refresh Project is a partnership between RCTC and Caltrans to repave lanes and repair sound walls and concrete barriers along the outer portions of eastbound and westbound 91 in Corona. Work will occur mainly between the Lincoln Avenue interchange and Interstate 15, an area with a long history of roadway settlement. Construction will take place through the fall, with more weekend closures to be announced.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather, staffing, or other factors. If the repaving cannot be completed this weekend, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

To register for construction updates, visit rctc.org/91refresh or text 91REFRESH to 77222.