Caltrans – Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)

RCTC to Study Adding New Lane to Eastbound 91 in Corona

RCTC — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:01:04 +0000

The Point: Future eastbound lane is intended to improve traffic flow from Orange County and enhance safety

Studies will soon be underway for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project following the Commission’s approval of an engineering and environmental consulting contract on May 10.

RCTC, in coordination with Caltrans, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), and the City of Corona, is proposing to add a lane to eastbound 91 from the 241 Toll Road connector to the 71 connector in Corona. The new lane is designed to help improve traffic operations on eastbound 91, especially during afternoon and evening hours, and enhance safety due to better merging conditions.

“Economic opportunities and population growth in Riverside County create commuting challenges across our region, including on the 91,” said Commission Chair and Lake Elsinore City Councilmember Robert “Bob” Magee. “The 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project study provides a path towards improving traffic flow and safety that will help keep our region moving,” he said.

In 2022, OCTA partnered with RCTC, TCA, Caltrans, and the cities of Anaheim, Yorba Linda, and Corona to complete an alternative analysis study that recommended four design options for the new lane. Under the new contract, the four designs will be analyzed, the preferred option will be selected, and preliminary engineering and environmental approval documentation will be performed. This phase of work is expected to take two to three years.

Once project approval is achieved, RCTC will seek funding for future project phases, including final design and construction. Timing for these next phases of work will depend upon the availability of funding. In April, RCTC’s request to Representative Young Kim for $3 million in federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding was recommended to the House Appropriations Committee. If approved later this year, the funding will go towards future design costs.

The project will complement the 71/91 Interchange, which is replacing the single-lane loop connector with a new, two-lane direct connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 91, helping with traffic operations in western Riverside County. The 71/91 Interchange began construction in January and is expected to open in 2025.

To register for 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project updates, please visit the “Contact Us” section of the webpage, rctc.org/91ecop.

RCTC Gears Up to Rebuild 71/91 Interchange

RCTC — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:59:27 +0000

The Point: Project is designed to enhance safety, expand access, reduce emissions, and improve traffic flow

A new connection from eastbound 91 to northbound 71 will be under construction soon in Corona, helping to improve regional safety, access, air quality, and traffic flow for motorists and freight. RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, expects to start construction late this month and to open the new interchange in 2025.

“Completing this project will provide welcome relief for our residents, especially those returning to Riverside County during afternoon hours on eastbound 91,” said RCTC Chair Robert “Bob” Magee, councilmember for the City of Lake Elsinore. “The project is another example of RCTC’s efforts to improve mobility along one of our most congested areas countywide,” he said.

The project will replace the existing single-lane loop connector with a new, two-lane, non-tolled, direct connector. To support access to this new connector, the project will add an eastbound 91 auxiliary lane next to the highway shoulder and realign the eastbound 91 Green River on-ramp to the south. Crews also will slightly realign southbound 71 to create space for the new connector.

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 travel along the 91 and the 71.

Once completed, the new interchange will improve safety by reducing weaving among lanes, expand access to other modes of travel – such as Metrolink passenger rail, reduce greenhouse gas emissions with fewer idling vehicles, and enhance traffic flow by replacing the existing single-lane loop connector with the two-lane direct connector along one of the region’s heaviest traveled corridors. The project will support continued movement through this area by native wildlife such as mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.

Project Rendering

Project funding is comprised of a combination of federal, state, and local funds, with $58.1 million of the $137 million construction costs provided by California’s Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, more commonly known as Senate Bill 1. A portion of the costs is funded by Measure A, the voter approved, half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County. The project is expected to create approximately 1,700 construction-related jobs, including contracts awarded to Riverside-based Skanska USA Civil West and Corona-based Falcon Engineering.

Motorists should watch for nighttime and weekend closures of lanes, ramps, and connectors. To register for construction updates, visit rctc.org/71-91interchange or text 7191INTERCHANGE to 77222.

Route 60 Truck Lanes: A Construction Achievement

RCTC — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:12:36 +0000

The Point: Ribbon-cutting ceremony saluted hardworking crews and project delivery partners

With the snip of a shiny purple ribbon on June 2, RCTC celebrated the opening of the Route 60 Truck Lanes, which now offer a safer and more efficient way to travel between the Coachella Valley and western Riverside County.

The eastbound truck-climbing lane and the westbound truck-descending lane opened May 20, ahead of schedule and within budget. RCTC began building the $138 million project in June 2019, with Caltrans providing design and construction oversight.

The lanes stretch 4.5 miles – from Gilman Springs Road to 1.4 miles west of Jack Rabbit Trail – between Moreno Valley and Beaumont through the formerly treacherous “Badlands.” Built next to the outer shoulders in both directions, the truck lanes separate slower-moving and faster-moving vehicles.

RCTC Chair V. Manuel Perez, who also is the Riverside County 4th District Supervisor, explained, “This project will provide a huge boost for the Coachella Valley tourism industry. This is a big deal for public safety reasons, a big deal for tourism reasons.”

With the opening of the Route 60 Truck Lanes in May and the opening of the I-15 Railroad Canyon Interchange in Lake Elsinore in April, Perez noted that 2022 is shaping up to be a strong year for RCTC project delivery. The I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange in Perris is scheduled to open later this year.

Highway construction projects are not easy to deliver. The 60 Truck Lanes Project was a collaboration between RCTC, Caltrans, project management consultants, and contractors, with a healthy dose of support from motorists who were able to see the project take shape during the past three years. All of these groups were recognized and celebrated during the ceremony.

Project closeout work will continue, with nighttime lane closures required. Please follow @60trucklanes on social media or visit the project website, rctc.org/60trucklanes, for updates. In addition, please follow @theRCTC on social media for ongoing transportation news throughout Riverside County.

New Route 60 Truck Lanes Open May 20 in Riverside County’s Badlands

RCTC — Thu, 19 May 2022 15:46:17 +0000

The Point: New lanes offer a safer, more efficient way to travel between the Coachella Valley and western Riverside County

Traveling between the desert and western Riverside County is safer and easier with the opening of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s Route 60 Truck Lanes in the Badlands.

RCTC began construction of the $138 million highway investment in June 2019 with Caltrans providing design and construction oversight. The new lanes opened on time and within budget.

“This project has fully transformed the Route 60 corridor from a narrow, winding roadway to one that is wide open, safe, and a great new way to drive between the Coachella Valley and western Riverside County,” said RCTC Chair and Riverside County 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “RCTC’s investment in Route 60 has provided a stronger way to connect our residents,” he said.

The project added an eastbound truck-climbing lane and a westbound truck-descending lane for 4.5 miles between Gilman Springs Road and 1.4 miles west of Jack Rabbit Trail. Built next to the outer shoulders in both directions of Route 60, the truck lanes help separate slower-moving big-rigs from passenger vehicles that can use the two left lanes in both directions.

In addition to adding the truck lanes, the project widened the inner and outer shoulders and excavated 2.1 million cubic yards of dirt from the steep hillsides to add another 30 feet next to the outer shoulders. The wider shoulders and open space provide safe pullout areas for motorists and emergency responders. The project also flattened the curving roadway to improve sight distance for drivers, another safety benefit.

Animals have a safer way to cross Route 60 as well, thanks to the construction of two 20-foot by 20-foot by 200-foot wildlife crossings and extension of culverts that allow coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, and other animals to travel beneath the highway to seek food and mates. The crossings also help prevent collisions between motorists and animals.

Funding was provided by a combination of federal, state, and local sources and employed approximately 1,400 workers.

See our other project facts and figures:

Crews installed 123 drainage systems with 15,000 feet of pipe
A 2,200 foot-long retaining wall was built using 60,000 blocks that support up to 3,750 tons of weight
A total of 155,000 cubic yards of concrete was used for the top layer of the lanes.

Closeout work will continue during the weeks ahead with nighttime lane closures likely. Please continue to follow @60trucklanes on social media or visit the project website, rctc.org/60trucklanes for updates.

RCTC and Project Partners Celebrate Opening of I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange in Lake Elsinore

RCTC — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 13:00:48 +0000

The Point: Project improves safety, traffic flow, and access for Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake motorists

Officials from RCTC, the City of Lake Elsinore, and Caltrans celebrated the opening of the newly constructed Interstate 15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange in Lake Elsinore on April 21.

Opening months ahead of schedule and within budget, the final on-ramp opened on April 15, thanks to strong teamwork among the project partners and mainly good weather following the start of construction in May 2020.

The $41 million project employed more than 200 essential workers and contributed to Riverside County’s economy, said Representative Ken Calvert, who spoke at the event.

“The new interchange will provide safer access to Interstate 15 for Lake Elsinore and its neighboring communities,” Calvert said.

RCTC First Vice Chair and Lake Elsinore Councilmember Bob Magee explained that the new interchange will help Lake Elsinore residents and community members to the east in Canyon Lake, who use Railroad Canyon Road to reach I-15. He praised the team, including Lake Elsinore City Engineer Remon Habib, for completing the project design after many years and for expediting the construction phase.

“Congratulations to RCTC, Caltrans, the City of Lake Elsinore, and the entire construction team for getting this project to the finish line,” Magee said.

The project added auxiliary lanes to I-15 to help drivers merge on and off the highway and reduce traffic bottlenecks. It also removed a traffic signal that was no longer needed, improved coordination between signals, added a second on-ramp to give drivers another option to enter northbound I-15, and built new sidewalks and bike lanes to enhance walkability.

Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel noted the collaboration needed to secure the project funding, which includes state and city sources, plus funds from the Western Riverside Council of Governments’ Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee program or TUMF. The TUMF program requires new development to pay its fair share for the increased traffic it creates. For the interchange, $29 million in TUMF was used to match $15 million that RCTC secured in state gasoline tax competitive grant funds.

“The project was all about teamwork,” Spiegel said. “From the funding to the construction, the team truly pulled together to make this project a success.”

Final work will continue through the spring. To receive updates about this remaining work, text “RAILROAD” to 77222 or follow @railroadcanyon on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

RCTC Requests Federal Funding to Continue Coachella Valley Rail Development, Extend 15 Express Lanes, and Build New Rail Crossing

RCTC — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 14:30:09 +0000

The Point: Community Project Funding would help expand transportation options and improve safety

RCTC submitted requests this month for Community Project Funding through the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee to help further planned transportation projects in the Coachella Valley and in western Riverside County.

Requests for $5 million each were made of Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Alex Padilla, and Representative Raul Ruiz for the Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Rail Corridor Service Project.

Caltrans and RCTC are proposing daily passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. The project would transform southern California, creating economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities, improving access to job centers and attractions, providing alternatives to traveling on I-10, and reducing emissions to improve air quality.

RCTC and Caltrans have nearly completed the program-level environmental document for this proposed service. The funding would allow work to advance to the next stage – project-level environmental studies and preliminary engineering of the 76-mile eastern section of track, up to six stations, a new third main track, and associated grade crossings and signal improvements on the eastern end of the corridor.

A $3 million request was made of Representative Ken Calvert to help fund design of the proposed Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension.

RCTC has proposed extending the existing 15 Express Lanes by an additional 14.5 miles, from Cajalco Road in Corona, through the Temescal Valley, to Route 74/Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore. Once built, the project is expected to improve traffic operations and travel times, expand travel choice through carpooling and mass transit, increase travel time reliability, and manage long-term traffic congestion spurred by increased goods movement and population growth. Preliminary engineering and environmental studies are under way now.

In addition, RCTC requested $3 million of Representative Mark Takano to help fund construction of the City of Riverside’s Third Street Grade Separation Project.

The city proposes reducing public safety risks by redirecting vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle traffic below the busy railroad tracks at Third Street. Riverside is trisected by two freight rail lines, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. These rail lines carry more than 75% of the freight handled by the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach through Riverside. Every day, approximately 128 trains pass through the city. At-grade crossings pose safety risks, create traffic delays, increase emissions from idling vehicles, and delay emergency response. The $3 million-request would allow construction of the project to separate Third Street from the railroad tracks and connect the downtown and Eastside communities of Riverside.

RCTC hopes to build upon its success of securing $5 million in Community Project Funding from Representative Calvert for the Smart Freeway Pilot in Murrieta and Temecula and will continue to advocate for additional funding from state and federal partners.

RCTC Advances I-15 “Smart Freeway” Pilot Project in Temecula, Murrieta, Thanks to Support from Rep. Ken Calvert

RCTC — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:08:28 +0000

The Point: Congress passes, President Biden signs bipartisan Appropriations bill with funding to help relieve traffic congestion on northbound I-15

We have smart phones, smart TVs, and smart homes. Next is a smart freeway, a new RCTC pilot project designed to address heavy traffic congestion for motorists traveling north on Interstate 15 in southwestern Riverside County. Congressman Ken Calvert secured $5 million of Community Project Funding in the federal Appropriations Omnibus Bill that was adopted and signed last week.

The $5 million allocation will complete the $18 million funding package for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project in this growing area, where afternoon traffic speeds drop from 70 mph to 20 mph or lower, causing lost time, rear-end collisions, and more air pollution. To avoid the highway congestion, drivers often use local streets, creating additional chokepoints.

RCTC is working in partnership with Caltrans and local agencies to develop the technology-based project, which is an alternative to adding highway lanes, and is a fraction of the cost. The project will use an array of sensors and other technology to control freeway access and speed, which will improve traffic flow and safety on an eight-mile, non-tolled section of northbound I-15 from the San Diego/Riverside County Line to the I-15/I-215 Interchange.

Throughout the day, the system will monitor highway traffic conditions and adjust the timing of ramp meters at Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road. The meter timing is continuously adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions, allowing more cars when there are gaps, and fewer when there aren’t. The meters at the three interchanges work together to manage the entire corridor. Drivers may initially face short delays on the on-ramps but will achieve overall time savings on the highway with less stop-start conditions and better traffic flow. Results of the pilot project will be available to the public during the test period on the Commission’s website. Pretty smart, right?

The Smart Freeway system is used in Melbourne, Australia on more than 100 miles of highway and 120 ramp meters. The system has resulted in an 11% drop in vehicle emissions, 30% fewer collisions, a nearly full elimination of fatal collisions, and more than $2 million per day in productivity savings from improved travel times. Smart Freeways also are in place in Brisbane and Perth, Australia, with those projects showing similar benefits.

Smart Freeways are gaining momentum in the U.S. too, with a pilot project operating on a section of I-25 in Denver and another being developed for I-680 in Contra Costa County. Building on these efforts, the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project will be evaluated for two years to determine its effect on traffic congestion.

RCTC and partners are conducting engineering and environmental studies and final design. Installing the components to monitor highway speeds, coordinating the on-ramp signal timing, and installing roadside informational signs may begin in late 2022 and should take about a year. Operations may start in late 2023 and will continue as a pilot effort for two years. This schedule is subject to change. During the pilot period, RCTC and Caltrans will operate and maintain the project and evaluate the effects on traffic flow. The agencies then will determine whether to continue and/or possibly expand the project to other areas.

RCTC appreciates Congressman Calvert’s support and advocacy for this innovative project and will continue to work with federal partners in pursuit of funding to keep Riverside County moving.

Be smart and sign up for project updates and follow us on social media at @theRCTC.

71/91 Interchange Improvement Project in Corona Moves Closer to Start Line

RCTC — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:00:03 +0000

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.

State Awards Funding for 71/91 Interchange Construction

RCTC — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:38:22 +0000

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.

Riverside County Projects Clear Hurdle for Competitive Grant Funding

RCTC — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:25:43 +0000

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.