RCTC closed out 2022 on a strong note, with the inclusion of two of its community project funding requests within the federal Fiscal Year 2023 funding package signed into law by President Joe Biden on December 29. These funding requests advance RCTC’s efforts to improve transportation choice and reduce congestion.

A $3 million request by RCTC to Representative Mark Takano was approved to help fund the construction of the City of Riverside’s Third Street Grade Separation Project.

This critical piece of funding supports the construction phase of a new four-lane underpass to replace the at-grade railroad crossing at Third Street near downtown Riverside. These tracks, operated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, are among the busiest in the nation with more than 100 trains passing through daily. This rail traffic causes approximately 225 minutes per day of traffic delay on Third Street, including for emergency responders.

Establishing a new vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle underpass will enhance safety, reduce local traffic delays, improve air quality with fewer idling vehicles, and enhance connections with the Downtown and Eastside communities. Final design is anticipated to be completed by summer 2024, with construction contract awards expected in spring 2025.

Also included within the funding package was RCTC’s $3 million request of Representative Ken Calvert to help fund the proposed I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension.

This project aims to extend the I-15 Express Lanes by 14.5 miles, from Cajalco Road in Corona, through Temescal Valley, to Route 74 in Lake Elsinore. I-15 is the spine of the region’s transportation network, with millions of vehicles using the interstate annually. The southern section of I-15 serves as a critical connection point not only for passengers traveling between San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, but also for the movement of goods we all depend upon and enjoy.

The I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension also directly benefits local communities by expanding mobility choice and mass transit while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The funding will support engineering and environmental studies that are under way and expected to be completed in several years. Efforts will continue to secure funding for construction.

RCTC appreciates the leadership of Representatives Calvert and Takano to secure funding for transportation projects that enhance mobility choice and quality of life for the region’s residents.

The Point: Closures Needed to Remove Bridge Section for Pachappa Underpass

Lots of nighttime closures are planned this week on both eastbound and westbound 91 between Central Avenue and 14^th Street in Riverside, so you may want to allow some extra time to reach your favorite downtown hotspots.

Crews for RCTC’s Pachappa Underpass Project will be using the following closures to safely dismantle beams along the bridge floor and assemble a large crane:

• Up to three lanes will be closed on westbound 91 from 14^th Street to Central Avenue, Monday, June 14 to Thursday, June 17, nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Friday, June 18 at 10 p.m. to Saturday, June 19 at 7 a.m. The westbound 10^th Street on-ramp also will be closed during those hours; drivers may use the 14^th Street on-ramp as a detour.
• Full closure of eastbound 91 from Central Avenue to 14^th Street, Saturday, June 19 at 10 p.m. to Sunday, June 20 at 8 a.m. The eastbound 91 off-ramp to 14^th Street also will be closed from 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. As a detour, motorists may use the Central Avenue off-ramp, head north on Magnolia Avenue/Market Street then use the eastbound 91 on-ramp at 14^th Street to reenter the 91.

RCTC started the $9 million construction project in April 2020 is expects to complete the work this fall. In addition to removing a portion of the overhead railroad bridge, the project includes building a large retaining wall. Scheduled closures are subject to change, based on weather and other factors. The speed limit in the construction zone is 55 mph.

For the latest project construction updates and closures, visit rctc.org/pachappa, email info@rctc.org or follow @therctc on social media.

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