The I-215 serves as a crucial transportation corridor for the Inland Empire, connecting cities such as Riverside, San Bernardino, Murrieta, and Moreno Valley, while facilitating the movement of commuters and goods between major freeways and economic hubs. As the region continues to grow, this vital corridor plays an essential role in reducing congestion and supporting regional development.

One significant infrastructure project that has improved travel along this corridor is the I-215/Van Buren Boulevard Interchange Project, located near the March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley. Completed in 2015, the project began construction in 2012 and was a collaborative effort between the Riverside County Transportation Department (RCTD), Caltrans, the March Joint Powers Authority (March JPA), and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). The project was designed to accommodate future growth by reconfiguring the previous tight diamond interchange. The enhancements included the addition of new on-ramps, realignment and widening of Van Buren Boulevard, and replacement of existing bridge structures over the railroad and freeway. Additionally, the I-215 was widened between Cactus Avenue and Harley Knox Boulevard, with a minor realignment of the southbound lanes to improve traffic flow.

Further improvements outside the interchange included new traffic signals and streetlights, upgraded lighting at the northbound ramps, auxiliary lanes along the I-215 between Van Buren Boulevard and Cactus Avenue, and acceleration and deceleration lanes south of Van Buren Boulevard.

Visual design elements were integrated into the bridge structures, retaining walls, and surrounding landscaping to reflect the area’s military heritage. Moreover, regional access to the Riverside National Cemetery and March Air Museum was significantly enhanced as a result of the new interchange. The project team was recognized with the American Planning Association’s 2015 IES-APA Urban Design Award for their work in urban planning and design.

Funding for the project came from Measure A, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure aimed at transportation improvements in Riverside County, which facilitated its progression to construction. The collaboration among RCTD, Caltrans, March JPA, and RCTC ensured that the interchange meets the transportation needs of the region.

September is Rail Safety Month. Every year, numerous tragic railway related incidents occur throughout southern California including Riverside County. The sad truth is that most if not all these incidents are preventable by simply following basic safety guidelines. As we observe Rail Safety Month in September, RCTC continues to educate students and their families about rail safety by raising awareness about the dangers of railroad tracks and how we can all play a part in preventing these incidents.

With frequent freight and passenger trains traveling through Riverside County, rail safety is a priority for the various communities in our region. Whether on foot or in a vehicle, being on or near railroad tracks in areas other than designated rail crossings is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous.

General Rail Safety Tips

1. Remember that trains approach faster and stop slower than they appear! Never overestimate how safe you are.
2. Always look both ways before crossing tracks. Always stay alert and eliminate distractions.
3. Always cross at designated crossings. Pay attention to and obey all warning signs and signals.
4. Never walk on tracks. It is illegal and highly dangerous.
5. Trains are big! They overhang tracks. Always stay at least 15 feet from the tracks.
6. Never stop your vehicle on the tracks. If you stall or get stuck, get all passengers out and then get help.
7. Trains always have the right-of-way, so get out of the way! Don’t speed to beat the train, just wait it out.

RCTC aims to reduce rail-related incidents by attending in-person events, providing rail safety presentations at schools and community centers, and through digital and social media campaigns. Join us in our effort to save lives by sharing the rail safety message with friends, family, and colleagues. Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and by following general safety tips, we can all help prevent incidents and protect our neighbors.

Let’s commit to keeping our communities safe together. Your promise to help each other stay alert, obey signals, and spread awareness makes all the difference. To view additional rail safety information, schedule a rail safety presentation, or take the rail safety pledge, please visit www.rctc.org/railsafety.

A two-day weekend closure of the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line is scheduled this Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 as part of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Projects. During the closure, construction crews will conduct system tests of infrastructure enhancements related to the project.

The two-day shutdown will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park stations. Passenger rail services will not be available for the duration of the closures, but Metrolink will be providing alternate bus transportation for passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.

The Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services around the affected stations will also continue their standard Saturday and Sunday schedules.

Construction of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project began in October 2022. Previous project work has included train switch upgrades, signal enhancements, drainage improvements, and track upgrades. Once completed, key elements of the project will include:

• Addition of a second passenger train platform;
• Extension of the existing platform to accommodate the length of the standard Metrolink six-car trains; and
• Upgrade of 2 ½ miles of track for the future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station.

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of expanding passenger rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County’s voter-approved Measure A.

The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2024. For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval.

On Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, a closure of the 91/Perris Valley Line is scheduled to safely allow crews to continue their work on the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Projects. As part of the project, numerous future service enhancements will be made including train switch upgrades, signal enhancements, drainage improvements, and track upgrades. 

The scheduled two-day shutdown will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park stations. Passenger rail services will not be available for the closures, but Metrolink will provide alternate bus transportation for passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.   

The Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services operating out of the affected stations will also continue their standard Saturday and Sunday schedules.  

Construction of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project began in October 2022. Key project elements include: 

• Adding a second passenger train platform 
• Extending the existing platform to accommodate the length of the standard Metrolink six-car trains. 
• Upgrading 2 ½ miles of track for the future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station.  

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of increasing passenger rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games. 

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County’s voter-approved Measure A. 

The project is anticipated to be completed this year. For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval. 

This Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12, a 91/Perris Valley Line closure is scheduled to allow crews to work on future service enhancements for the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Projects. Crews will work on train switch installation, signal improvements, and track upgrades.

The scheduled two-day shutdown will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park stations. Passenger rail services will not be available for the duration of the closures, but Metrolink will be providing alternate transportation for passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.

The Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services operating out of the affected stations will also maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday schedules.

Construction of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project began in October 2022. Key project elements include:

• Adding a second passenger train platform
• Extending the existing platform to accommodate the length of the standard Metrolink six-car trains.
• Upgrading 2 ½ miles of track for the future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station.

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of increasing commuter rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County voter-approved Measure A.

The project is anticipated to be completed by spring 2024. For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval.