Built on collaboration and a shared vision, Phase II of the State Route 60 (SR-60)/Potrero Boulevard Interchange Project advances to construction! On April 28, 2026, project partners, elected officials, stakeholders, and community members gathered in the City of Beaumont to break ground to celebrate a project that will improve regional and local traffic flow for motorists traveling through Beaumont and the surrounding communities.

Located between Jack Rabbit Trail and the SR-60/Interstate 10 junction, the project was designed as a key investment in regional infrastructure to improve mobility, safety, and economic growth.

“Projects like the SR-60 Potrero Boulevard Interchange symbolize the strong partnerships RCTC has with our cities and communities to build transportation infrastructure that benefits our growing region,” said Raymond Gregory, Mayor of Cathedral City and Chair of RCTC. “These investments are key to keeping our region moving as our communities continue to grow.”

In 2019, the City of Beaumont completed Phase I and opened the new six-lane Potrero Boulevard overcrossing above SR-60.

Phase II of the project includes:

• Construction of a six-ramp partial cloverleaf interchange at SR 60 and Potrero Boulevard
• Realignment of Western Knolls Avenue
• Widening Potrero Boulevard to six lanes, improving traffic flow and access to SR 60

The new interchange is anticipated to open to travelers in 2028. Construction crews will begin preparing the area near Potrero Boulevard bridge soon and are expected to begin construction on the new interchange in May.

The project was made possible by a mix of state and local sources comprised of the City of Beaumont’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) revenues, and SB1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) funds.

Throughout the duration of the project, RCTC, the City of Beaumont, and Caltrans are committed to minimizing construction impacts and providing timely updates to the public. Sign up to receive project updates or for additional project information by visiting: www.rctc.org/PotreroInterchange

During its December 10 meeting, the Commission approved more than $156 million in construction contracts for two regionally significant projects: Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway and SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange – Phase II. These projects aim to enhance roadway safety, improve travel reliability, and support economic growth in two of Riverside County’s fastest growing regions.

“Safe and reliable transportation is the foundation of our daily lives – connecting us to school, work, and the people who matter to us the most,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, RCTC Chair and Vice Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway will address critical safety improvements in one of the most traveled corridors in our region. Phase II of the Potrero Interchange will enhance regional mobility throughout the San Gorgonio Pass. Together, these two projects will a create a safer and more connected Riverside County for us all.”

The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project will upgrade 8.6 miles of roadway between Rider Street and Warren Road in San Jacinto. Between 2017 and 2022, this heavily traveled corridor experienced numerous collisions resulting in 14 fatalities and 17 severe injuries. The project will address critical safety needs by widening the roadway to two lanes in each direction, adding a raised median, building a wildlife crossing, and constructing a new bridge over the San Jacinto River.

In the San Gorgonio Pass, the City of Beaumont has partnered with RCTC and Caltrans to deliver Phase II of the SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange. The project will build a new interchange at State Route 60, realign Western Knolls Avenue, and widen Potrero Boulevard to six lanes. These enhancements will make it easier to access SR‑60 and support ongoing residential and economic growth in Beaumont and across Riverside County.

Construction for both projects will begin in early 2026. Once completed, these two projects will deliver on RCTC’s commitment to providing vital transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of our region’s rapidly growing communities.

The City of Beaumont and RCTC recently announced that RCTC will be taking the lead on two major infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity in the region: Phase II of the SR-60 / Potrero Boulevard Interchange Project and initial planning and feasibility phase of the I-10 / SR-79 (Beaumont Avenue) Interchange Project. These important infrastructure projects aim to expand regional mobility, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety for thousands of daily commuters who travel through these busy corridors.

The SR-60 / Potrero Boulevard Interchange Project, located between Jack Rabbit Trail and the SR-60 / I-10 junction, will continue with major improvements as part of Phase II that include:

• Widening Potrero Boulevard to six lanes on both sides of SR-60
• Adding two direct on-ramps, two loop on-ramps, and two direct off-ramps
• Realigning Western Knolls Avenue with Potrero Boulevard north of the new interchange

In addition, RCTC, the City of Beaumont, and Caltrans are also collaborating to improve the I-10 / SR-79 (Beaumont Avenue) interchange and nearby roads in Beaumont. This heavily traveled area is a major hub used by local commuters and regional travelers from Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve traffic flow, and provide a smoother, safer commute for motorists passing through this busy corridor.

“RCTC is proud to take the lead on these projects that will help improve the lives of residents in Beaumont and the surrounding communities, and for commuters traveling through this busy corridor,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Chair of RCTC and Vice-Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “The collaboration between RCTC, the City of Beaumont, and Caltrans will help deliver these vital transportation projects to shape the future of travel in Riverside County.”

Construction for the SR-60 / Potrero Interchange Project is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending approval by Caltrans and construction bid advertisement and award by RCTC.

For more information on the Potrero project, visit: www.beaumontca.gov