The Point: Measure A bridges the funding gap for construction of important safety, traffic relief project.

The stretch of Van Buren Boulevard in Jurupa Valley between Clay Street and Route 60 is a vital corridor for motorists, Union Pacific Railroad, and Metrolink passengers. Cars and trains run parallel to each other for much of the corridor and even cross at busy intersections, including Jurupa Road. The County of Riverside has ranked the Jurupa Road at-grade crossing as its highest priority for separating cars from trains.

Last month, RCTC approved $25 million in funding from Measure A, the 2003 voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County. This allocation will provide the final piece of funding for the project, which is funded primarily by $108.4 million from Senate Bill 132 enacted in 2017. The County of Riverside is the lead agency for the project. Measure A will make up a funding shortfall caused by the need to design a pump station for drainage, additional right of way costs, and higher construction costs than originally estimated.

The project will improve safety, traffic flow, and reduce air pollution in this area. Regional population growth and rail freight traffic from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have increased congestion and delays at the existing at-grade crossing. These delays affect motorists, residents, businesses, pedestrians, air quality and emergency vehicle access and response times. The project will enhance speed, efficiency, and reliability of freight and Metrolink trains in Riverside County by eliminating conflicts between trains and vehicles.

RCTC is gratified to fill the funding gap and move this project closer to construction.  Like all of the projects we fund and deliver, safety is our guiding principle. This project in Jurupa Valley is no exception,” said RCTC Chair and Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik.

When completed, the new underpass on Jurupa Road will cross beneath the train tracks and Van Buren Boulevard with the addition of a connector road to Van Buren from Jurupa Road. Construction began in early August and is expected to take about two years.

To register for project updates or for more information from the County of Riverside, visit the project website, follow @JurupaGradeSeparation on Facebook and Instagram, or call the helpline at 800-679-9570.