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.

Design-build refers to a process in which a single entity designs and builds a project. This approach typically leads to faster project delivery, greater teamwork and communication, and a single point of responsibility, compared to the traditional design-bid-build approach, in which one firm designs the project and another firm builds the project.

In addition to the new lanes, the project widened 11 bridges, including the large Santa Ana River Bridge, and added six sound walls. The design-builder used a number of innovative methods to deliver the project:

• An overhead conveyor belt, which carried concrete from the roadside batch plant, over the I-15 travel lanes, to the highway median. From there, the concrete was transferred to trucks for paving operations. This saved time, reduced construction related traffic congestion by eliminating the need for trucks to cross live traffic, and enhanced safety.
• Pre-cast girders were fabricated to build the giant Santa Ana River Bridge. Girders measuring 170’ long and 9’ tall were manufactured off-site and moved by truck at night with CHP escorts to the bridge location. Once on site, large gantry cranes carried the girders along the 1,800’ bridge span and lowered them precisely in place. This approach greatly reduced the environmental impacts to the Santa Ana River below, saved time, and reduced traffic congestion by eliminating the need for lengthy lane closures.
• Dynamic express lane pricing was implemented, in which toll rates change up to every three minutes to reflect real-time traffic conditions, to ensure smooth traffic flow and reliable travel times.

Funding for the project was provided by Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, and federal sources. Toll revenue is being used to repay a $152 million federal transportation infrastructure loan and to operate and maintain the lanes. During design and construction, an estimated 3,300 jobs were created.

As of September 2022, the 15 Express Lanes have 12,525 customer accounts. Motorists who carpool or drive zero-emission vehicles receive discounts, which promotes ridesharing and can help improve the region’s air quality. Express buses are able to use the lanes at no added cost to riders, further encouraging ridesharing. The project is helping to create greater mobility, which enhances the quality of living for Riverside County motorists, their families, and their communities.

The Point: Send comments by Friday using website or email

Did you miss last week’s meetings? Residents attended three open houses last week to learn about a proposed project to extend the Interstate 15 Express Lanes south to Lake Elsinore. If you couldn’t attend in person, it’s not too late to submit comments through the “Online Meeting” website or by email through Friday, November 22.

The “Online Meeting” at rctc.org/15expsouth includes the same exhibits shown at the open houses and opportunity to submit comments. You also may send comments via email at 15expsouth@dot.ca.gov until November 22.

During the open houses, visitors asked project team members about possible access points for the express lanes, the duration of the engineering and environmental studies, the location of potential noise barriers, current and future toll rates, considering general-purpose lanes as a project alternative, adding lanes along I-15 to address traffic congestion from “lane drops,” and the need to widen bridges and roads adjacent to I-15. Other comments also were received and will be considered as part of the process.

The 30-day public scoping period is required as part of the preliminary engineering and environmental studies that RCTC and Caltrans began this spring for the I-15 Express Lanes Southern Extension. Once draft environmental documents are prepared, the public again will be invited to comment, likely in 2022.

For several years, RCTC has heard from drivers, who are frustrated with growing traffic and are seeking improvements south of Corona in Temescal Valley and Lake Elsinore.  RCTC is moving as quickly as possible on this proposed project to improve traffic congestion and mobility.

The project proposes to add I-15 capacity by extending the 15 Express Lanes, currently under construction, by an additional 14.5 miles, from Cajalco Road in Corona, through Temescal Valley, to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. RCTC and Caltrans propose adding two tolled express lanes in both directions within the I-15 median to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. No existing lanes would be converted to express lanes.

Visit rctc.org/15expsouth to learn more.

The Point: Public Comments Encouraged, October 21 to November 22

For several years RCTC has heard from frustrated I-15 drivers who are seeking roadway improvements south of Corona in Temescal Valley and Lake Elsinore.  In response, RCTC is moving forward as quickly as possible on a proposed project to offer traffic congestion relief and improved mobility in this area.

RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, is conducting preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the proposed Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension. RCTC is leading development of the project and is urging public participation.

The proposed project would add capacity to I-15 by extending the 15 Express Lanes, currently under construction, by an additional 14.5 miles, from Cajalco Road in Corona, through Temescal Valley, to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. RCTC and Caltrans propose adding two tolled express lanes in both directions within the I-15 median to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. No existing lanes would be converted to express lanes.

The agencies will be preparing an Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment to comply with state and federal requirements. As part of this process, a 30-day “public scoping period” will run from October 21 to November 22 to give the public the opportunity to comment on the scope of the project and the environmental studies that will be conducted.

Open houses will be held in Temescal Valley, Corona, and Lake Elsinore as noted below. Although no presentations will be held, the open houses will allow visitors to view exhibits, ask questions of project team members, and submit comments.

Content each night will be the same, so please attend the meeting that is most convenient for you, any time between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• November 12, 2019 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Temescal Valley Elementary School, 22950 Claystone Avenue, Corona, CA 92883
• November 13, 2019 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Eagle Glen Golf Club, 1800 Eagle Glen Parkway, Corona, CA 92883
• November 14, 2019 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Ortega High School, 520 Chaney Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

There also will be an “Online Meeting” with the same exhibits as the in-person meetings and opportunity to submit comments. The Online Meeting will be available from October 21 to November 22.

For more information or to visit the Online Meeting and submit comments, visit rctc.org/15expsouth 

The Point: Public will have opportunities to comment on project studies, alternatives

Preliminary engineering and environmental studies will start this summer for the proposed extension of the 15 Express Lanes between Cajalco Road in Corona and State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. RCTC approved a professional services contract on May 8 to begin this process.

The studies will support an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report. The EIR/EIS will take approximately five years, due to the complexity of the project corridor, which crosses multiple jurisdictions, widens 14 bridges, and may affect numerous waterways.

The proposed project would extend the 15 Express Lanes – currently under construction from State Route 60 to Cajalco Road – an additional 14.5 miles by added two express lanes in both directions within the existing median. RCTC also will study an alternative to add one carpool lane in both directions, as well as a “No Build” alternative.

Overall, the project is intended to:

• Improve traffic operations and travel times for general purpose lane users;

• Expand travel choices with the addition of express lanes and carpooling;

• Increase travel time reliability for all corridor users; and

• Provide travel time savings and travel time certainty for express lane users.

Pending project approvals, RCTC expects to use a design-build approach to expedite project delivery. Construction could start as early as 2025, and the new lanes could open in 2028, if RCTC is able to secure funding. The total project cost is estimated to be $544 million. RCTC will explore federal, state, and local sources, including future toll revenues, for funding.

RCTC will hold open houses this fall to allow the public to provide early feedback about the study alternatives. Please register to receive notice of the open houses and other project updates.

The Point: Construction work now about one-third complete

RCTC is making steady progress on construction of the Interstate 15 Express Lanes, and work is now about one-third complete. The new lanes will span 15 miles – from State Route 60 to Cajalco Road – and remain on schedule to open in 2020. A specific opening date has not been determined at this time.

Along the corridor, paving, bridge widening, and soundwall construction are continuing. Major milestones include:

Completing two bridges, with four other bridges in various stages of widening. Crews are widening a total of 11 bridges. Work will start  in late February on the El Cerrito Bridge.

Finishing four of the six soundwalls. The final two soundwalls will be finished this spring.

Paving various roadway sections within the I-15 median.

Maintaining an accident and injury-free record during the first year of construction.

RCTC is using several innovations to improve project efficiency and decrease effects to motorists.

A design-build method is speeding up project delivery. This method uses the same designer and contractor, which saves time and costs while ensuring quality.

Construction innovations also are in place. An on-site cement plant, called a “batch plant,” was built to reduce the distance for crews to haul cement to the paving machines.

Crews also installed a conveyor belt at the batch plant to allow trucks to be loaded and travel within the median.

The project team continues to coordinate with the neighboring Limonite Avenue Interchange Project, led by the County of Riverside, and the Cajalco Road Interchange Project, led by the City of Corona. Teams are working closely and to ensure that all three projects to stay on schedule.

A robust construction schedule is planned for the next 12 months. Watch for more roadway paving, continued widening of bridges, and installing the tolling system infrastructure. Once the lanes are closer to completion, information will be available about the opening date, toll schedules, and account options.

The 15 Express Lanes team reminds motorists to be alert of construction activities and reduced speeds within the project corridor. Please allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, and avoid distracted driving.

To stay informed through weekly construction updates, register at 15project.info or text 15Express to 22828 to get started. Please follow the project on social media @15expresslanes.

Check out the progress crews have made on the 15 Express Lanes so far by watching the 15 Facts on the 15 Express – Project Update

The Point: Use alternate routes, expect delays, allow extra travel time

The Riverside County Transportation Commission will be conducting partial closures of the 91 Express Lanes and general use lanes for three to four upcoming weekends, starting tonight.

RCTC is upgrading the 91 Express Lanes to comply with new state-mandated transponder technology. RCTC also is restriping the entrance/exit points for the westbound 91 Express Lanes to provide open access at the Riverside County/Orange County Line.

Scheduled closures for the weekend of November 16 include:

• Westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County: Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 4 a.m.
• Westbound 91 Express Lanes in Orange County: Friday at 9 p.m. to Sunday at noon
• Eastbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County and Orange County: Sunday from 4 a.m. to noon
• Westbound 91 general use lanes, one to three lanes between Route 71 and Route 241: Intermittent closures from Friday at 9 p.m. to Saturday at 7 a.m. and from Saturday at 7 p.m. to Sunday at 10 a.m.

RCTC advises motorists to use alternate routes, expect delays and allow extra travel time throughout the weekend. Closures are subject to change, due to weather and the dynamic nature of construction. Motorists may stay connected via social media @15expresslanes.

Closure dates and times for subsequent weekends are available at 15project.info. No closures will take place during Thanksgiving weekend.

The restriping of the westbound 91 Express Lanes will provide more flexibility for motorists to enter or exit these lanes near the Riverside/Orange County Line. Crews will restripe this area to allow motorists to enter or exit at any point where there is a broken white line.

The new transponder technology will lead to greater interoperability between toll systems, allowing Californians with established accounts to pay for tolls when traveling in Colorado, Washington, Utah and Oregon. The change in technology also will advance longer-term efforts to create interoperability nationwide so that account holders can pay tolls on any participating facility in the country.

The Point:  RCTC takes first step towards adding lanes to I-15 from Cajalco Rd. to Central Ave., hours after voters uphold state transportation funding

The Riverside County Transportation Commission issued a Request for Qualifications to consulting firms on November 7, 2018 to begin studies for a proposed extension of the Interstate 15 Express Lanes between Cajalco Road in Corona and State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore.

In March, the California Transportation Commission approved funding to study the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension, subject to the new gasoline tax remaining in place. California voters rejected Proposition 6 on November 6, an action that preserves the state transportation funding allocated for this project.

Once selected, the consultant will conduct preliminary engineering and environmental studies to support an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for the proposed project. The 14.5-mile segment would extend from Corona, through the unincorporated Riverside County community of Temescal Valley, and into Lake Elsinore. The project proposes adding two Express Lanes in both directions within the I-15 median.

The estimated five-year project development process is lengthy, due to the complexity of this section of I-15, which crosses multiple jurisdictions, widens 14 bridges, and may affect numerous waterways.

“This is a great first step in the process of removing the traffic bottlenecks in the Temescal Valley and throughout the 15 corridor,” said Riverside County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries. “Local residents are begging for solutions, and while the project still has a long way to go, this is a nice show of good faith from RCTC and the California Transportation Commission.”

The project would expand Riverside County’s Express Lanes network and provide a new transportation option for motorists in southwestern Riverside County.

After completion of the engineering and environmental studies, RCTC expects to use a design-build approach to expedite project delivery. Construction could start as early as 2025, and the new lanes could open in 2028, if funding is secured.

The total project cost is estimated to be $544 million and is not fully funded. RCTC is exploring federal, state, and local sources, as well as future toll revenues, for funding.

Want the latest updates on the I-15 Express Lanes – Southern Extension? Join our contact list:

The Point: Watch for new conditions, annual back-to-school traffic increases

Travel lanes have shifted toward the median on both northbound and southbound Interstate 15 near State Route 91, allowing crews to work safely along the outside shoulders of I-15. The traffic shift began last week for the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 15 Express Lanes Project.

No lanes have been removed for the traffic shift, and the lanes are the same feet in width. However, the new conditions require drivers to transition toward the median shortly after crossing the 91.

Motorists are reminded to watch for the new conditions and follow the 55 mile per hour speed limit through the construction zone on I-15 from State Route 60 to Cajalco Road.

Traffic shifts also are occurring further north on I-15 this week near the Limonite Avenue Interchange. RCTC has completed paving within the median and is transferring this construction area to the Riverside County Transportation Department – a separate agency – to build the new I-15 Limonite Avenue Interchange.

This time of year also returns more drivers to the roadways, due to schools and colleges reopening after the summer break.

Please be mindful of spikes in traffic volumes throughout the area, new student drivers near high schools, and more pedestrians on local streets. Speed limits in school zones are 25 miles per hour.

For information about the 15 Express Lanes Project or the I-15 Limonite Avenue Interchange, please visit 15project.info or rcprojects.org.