RCTC took a significant step to advance the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension with the approval of a Progressive Design-Build Phase 1 contract. The project is a major investment aimed at reducing congestion and improving travel for Riverside County residents along one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors.

“The I-15 corridor is a heavily traveled route in Riverside County and a critical connection for residents, commuters, and goods movement throughout our region,” said Raymond Gregory, Mayor of Cathedral City and Chair of RCTC. “This project is an important step toward helping people spend less time stuck in traffic.”

As a major first for a highway infrastructure project in California, RCTC is utilizing a Progressive Design-Build method to accelerate the delivery of the project. Phase 1 includes the preliminary design along with validating the project scope and negotiating the cost for Phase 2. Phase 2 will include final design and construction.

The project will extend the existing I-15 Express Lanes approximately 15.8 miles south by adding two Express Lanes in each direction from Cajalco Road in Corona to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The project includes widening up to 15 bridges, constructing auxiliary lanes, installing electronic toll collection systems, and implementing drainage and noise reduction features along existing right-of-way.

Based on available funding, the project could begin construction in late 2027 and open to traffic by 2030. Once completed, the project is expected to improve traffic flow and help Riverside County residents and commuters traveling through the I-15 corridor spend less time in traffic.

For more information about the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension and to sign up for updates, please visit: rctc.org/15projectsouth

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

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCo Parks) plans to extend the Santa Ana River Trail, also known as SART, in three segments near the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin. These SART extensions would construct a 3.44-mile section of the trail’s 110-mile planned alignment in Corona. The public is encouraged to comment on two draft environmental documents from April 24 to May 24, 2025.

The Santa Ana River Trail, a beloved route for cyclists across southern California, stretches from Huntington Beach to the National Forest boundary near Mentone in the San Bernardino Mountains. In a joint effort with RivCo Parks, RCTC is working diligently to close the gap in the SART system between Green River Road in Corona and the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area in Norco. Your feedback is crucial to this process.

The 3.44-mile extension under public review is just east of the Prado Dam. Key features of the project include constructing a Class I asphalt/concrete bicycle path with decomposed granite pedestrian and equestrian paths.

The draft document was prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. RivCo Parks determined the project would not significantly impact the environment.

Copies of the draft environment document, project studies, and other reference documents are available for review at the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District offices at 4600 Crestmore Rd., Jurupa Valley, CA 92508. To view the the documents and provide a comment, please visit: rctc.org/projects/santa-ana-river-trail-project/

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 through Chino Hills are advised to be prepared for weeknight (Monday – Friday) full closures of southbound 71 from Butterfield Ranch Rd/Euclid Ave to the 91. The closures of southbound 71 will begin Monday, March 3 through Friday, April 11 as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The southbound 71 to eastbound and westbound 91 connectors will also be closed during this time.

The closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights, and 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday nights. These nighttime closures will allow construction crews to safely remove support structures from the recently constructed new sections of the connector. Additional nighttime lane reduction configurations along eastbound and westbound 91 may also occur during these nightly closures.

To avoid traffic delays, motorists are urged to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Euclid Ave off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57. 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, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The new non-tolled interchange is designed to improve safety, expand access to other modes of travel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance traffic flow, and support continued movement of native wildlife through the area. Construction began in 2023 and is expected to be completed later this year. To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage. For the latest closure information, visit: rctc.org/7191Closures

Motorists traveling through Corona are advised to steer clear of full weeknight closures of westbound 91. Beginning December 2, 2024, the westbound 91 will be closed between the 71 and Green River Road on Monday through Wednesday nights as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The closures are scheduled through Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Due to the holidays, no closures will be scheduled from December 20 through January 1, 2025. Closures are anticipated to restart on Monday, January 6, 2025.

The full closure will allow crews to remove more than 40 beams of support structures that span above the westbound 91 lanes. This work requires precision and time to be completed safely. Over the summer, crews completed a similar operation with the removal of support structures over eastbound 91.

Motorists traveling on the westbound 91 and southbound 71 should plan extra time to reach local destinations and businesses in the area. Detailed closure information below:

To avoid lengthy traffic delays, motorists are highly advised to avoid the westbound 91 by using the northbound 71 to westbound 60 to southbound 57 to get around the closure. Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, is reconstructing the 71/91 interchange in Corona. The project will replace the single-lane loop connector between the eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a new, two-lane, direct connector ramp. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2025.  

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage. View the latest construction activity at: rctc.org/7191updates 

Did you miss one of the three I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension public meetings in October? No need to worry. Riverside County residents still have time to view and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA). The public comment period runs through November 26, 2024. The release of the Draft EIR/EA is a significant milestone for the project, moving the region closer to relieving traffic on this part of the heavily traveled I-15.

The proposed project would extend the I-15 Express Lanes an additional 15.8 miles from El Cerrito Road in Corona through Temescal Valley to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The new Express Lanes would not replace any existing lanes. The project includes adding two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening the pavement and bridges. The project would also add southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes between the Nichols Road on-ramp and the SR-74 (Central Avenue) off-ramp and between the SR-74 (Central Avenue) on-ramp and Main Street off-ramp. Construction on the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension may begin in 2027, depending on funding availability.

To review and comment on the Draft EIR/EA or to view material from the open house public meetings, please visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth

In what marks a significant milestone for the Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension, RCTC and Caltrans have released the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) for the public to review and submit comments. The release of the Draft EIR/EA moves the region closer to relieving traffic on this part of the highway subject to project approval upon completion of the environmental process. Due to rapid population growth along the corridor and increased freight movement, traffic congestion continues to make the commute to and from southwest Riverside County difficult. The project aims to provide alternative travel choices and traffic relief to this region.

The 45-day public comment period runs from October 9 to November 26, 2024. RCTC will also be hosting three open house public meetings to provide the public information and to gather feedback from residents on the project.

The proposed project would extend the I-15 Express Lanes an additional 15.8 miles from El Cerrito Road in Corona through Temescal Valley to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The project would add two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening the pavement and bridges and would not replace any existing lanes. The project would also add southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes between both the Nichols Road on-ramp and the SR-74 (Central Avenue) off-ramp, and between the SR-74 (Central Avenue) on-ramp and Main Street off-ramp.

Once the entire 15.8-mile length is constructed, the project would provide a reliable tolled travel time option to move motorists through this congested corridor and maintain compatibility with the regional Express Lanes network. The project would also increase opportunities for mass transit, such as RTA Express Buses and carpooling.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft environmental document at rctc.org/15ProjectSouth or at libraries in Corona and Lake Elsinore. Comments may be submitted through the following methods:

• Email: 15ProjectSouth@rctc.org
• By U.S. Mail at:
  Jeff Dietzler, Capital Projects Manager (Tolling)
  Riverside County Transportation Commission
  4080 Lemon Street, Third Floor
  P.O. Box 12008
  Riverside, CA 92501
• Three Open House Public Meetings scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates below; the content will be the same at the three meetings. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

For more information on the 15 Express Project Southern Extension and to sign up for project updates, visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 through Chino Hills are advised to stay alert for weeknight full closures of southbound 71 at Butterfield Ranch Rd/Euclid Ave. The Monday through Friday nighttime closures of southbound 71 are scheduled from Monday, September 16 through late-October as part of RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project. The southbound 71 to eastbound and westbound 91 connectors will also be closed.

The closures will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights, and midnight to 6 a.m. on Friday nights. During these nighttime closures, construction crews will be building a new portion of support structures for the new eastbound 91 to northbound 71 connector. Additional nighttime lane reductions along eastbound and westbound 91 may also occur during these nightly closures.

To avoid traffic delays, motorists are urged to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Euclid Ave off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57. 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, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange. For the latest closure information, visit rctc.org/7191Closures.

Motorists making their way south through Chino and Chino Hills should avoid the southbound 71 or be prepared to face heavy traffic delays. RCTC’s 71/91 Interchange Project will require a full weekend closure beginning Friday, August 16 at 10 p.m. through Monday, August 19 at 5 a.m.

The full closure will safely allow crews to pave and stripe the final portion of the newly aligned southbound 71 lanes. During the weekend closure, crews will also perform a traffic switch to shift traffic onto these new lanes. This shift will extend southbound 71, create additional space for the new connector, and allow it to connect to northbound 71 lanes.

To avoid lengthy traffic delays, motorists are highly advised to avoid the southbound 71 and use southbound 57 or southbound I-15 to reach the 91 and other destinations located to the south.

Motorists traveling on the southbound 71 will be rerouted to the Butterfield Ranch Rd./Euclid Ave. off-ramp in Chino Hills. Traffic will be detoured northbound along Euclid Ave. to either eastbound or westbound 60, where motorists can travel to either southbound I-15 or southbound 57. 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, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Make sure to stay informed by signing up for construction updates – text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange.

Traveling through Corona at night this summer? There are road closures in the works that you should know about. Motorists driving on the eastbound 91 Monday through Wednesday nights should plan ahead for traffic delays. Starting Monday, July 15, weeknight closures of the eastbound 91 general purpose lanes and Express Lanes are scheduled as part of the 71/91 Interchange Project in Corona. The eastbound Green River Road on-ramp will also be closed at night.

Closures are as scheduled:

• LOCATION: Eastbound 91, from Green River Rd. to Serfas Club Dr./Auto Center Dr.
  • Includes eastbound 91 general purpose lanes, Express Lanes, and Green River Rd. on-ramp
• DAYS & TIMES: Nightly, Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
• DURATION: July 15 – August 14, 2024

The southbound 71 connectors to eastbound and westbound 91 will remain open.

The closures will allow crews to safely remove support structures above the eastbound 91 that were constructed in 2023 and early 2024. These support structures were used to form the foundation of the new connector. The removal process will take place over several weeks, Monday through Wednesday nights, beginning July 15.

Motorists traveling on the eastbound 91 are advised to avoid the area and use northbound 57 to eastbound 60 to the southbound 71. Corona residents may use Green River Rd. to Palisades Drive to Serfas Club Dr./Auto Center Dr. to enter eastbound 91. Motorists should allow 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, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

To register for construction updates, text 7191interchange to (855) 793-2625 or sign up through the project webpage, rctc.org/71-91interchange.