2022: Project Milestones and Looking Forward

RCTC — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:55:18 +0000

The Point: RCTC has delivered significant transportation solutions this year with more on the horizon

It’s only August, but RCTC has already completed four highway projects in 2022, reached a major milestone for new passenger rail service, and is preparing to open a new interchange this fall. This year is shaping up to be a big one for project delivery with more on the horizon, designed to keep communities connected and the economy moving.

The four newly opened projects include:

The 91 Corridor Operations Project, which added a new lane to westbound 91 between Green River Road in Corona to the southbound 241 connector, improving the morning commute – Opened in January 2022

The I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange in Lake Elsinore, which is enhancing safety and traffic flow for residents and neighboring commuters from Canyon Lake – Opened in April 2022
The Route 60 Truck Lanes in the Badlands between Moreno Valley and Beaumont now provides a safer, more efficient way to travel between western Riverside County and the Coachella Valley – Opened May 2022
The I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project, which added a lane on southbound I-15 between Corona and the Temescal Valley to improve traffic operations – Opened July 2022

Also in July, the Commission certified the Tier 1 “program-level” environmental document for Coachella Valley Rail, a major milestone for this proposed daily intercity passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. The next step is to secure funding for the Tier 2 “project-level” engineering and environmental studies for this long-range project. RCTC will be applying for federal and state grant funds this fall to move this project to the next phase.

Just around the corner is the planned opening of the I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange in Perris. This new interchange will improve access to I-215 in this growing area and enhance traffic flow and air quality. The opening will be coordinated with the roadway extension of Placentia Avenue led by the City of Perris.

Other projects are coming soon. Of note are reconstruction of the 71/91 Interchange in Corona, construction and operations of the Smart Freeway Pilot Project in Temecula and Murrieta, improvements to the Moreno Valley/March Field Metrolink Station, engineering and environmental studies of the I-10 Highland Springs Interchange in Banning and Beaumont, and design of the Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway segment in the County of Riverside. Please watch for project updates.

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Construction of I-15 Railroad Canyon Interchange Marks One Year

RCTC — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 22:15:49 +0000

The Point: Project will improve safety, capacity, traffic flow for growing area

With one year of construction completed, the I-15 Railroad Canyon Road Interchange project remains on track to open in late 2022. RCTC is upgrading the interchange in partnership with Caltrans and the City of Lake Elsinore.

During the first year of work, crews added auxiliary lanes to northbound and southbound I-15, widened and reconfigured the ramps, and made local street improvements to accommodate the interchange. The northbound hook off-ramp at Railroad Canyon Rd. is nearing completion and crews have built two new retaining walls along the future ramp. Crews also completed the retaining wall on the south side of Railroad Canyon Rd. to stabilize the soil beneath I-15 for construction and poured concrete for the bridge support along northbound I-15.

Project improvements are focused on safer and more efficient travel through the heavily traveled interchange. Guardrails are in place along the I-15 shoulders to enhance motorist safety, and new traffic signals on local roadways are improving safety and traffic flow. Crews also have striped more than 90,000 feet of roadway with wider, more visible striping and markers, a benefit for drivers and pedestrians.

“RCTC is excited to have reached this one-year milestone, with the support of Caltrans and the City of Lake Elsinore,” said RCTC Chair and Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik.

“This project is one of six that RCTC has actively under construction in western Riverside County and reflects the continued investment in our transportation infrastructure as we battle traffic congestion and work to improve mobility for our residents.”

Additional first-year achievements include building more than 30 drainage systems with 4,200 feet of pipe in the project area. Crews also added cosmetic touches, such as red stamped concrete on the newly rebuilt Grape St. median, and installed irrigation for future landscaping.

Like Lake Elsinore’s motto, “Dream Extreme,” the team reached some “extreme” facts and figures:

Sign up for email construction updates at RCTC.org/railroadcanyon. Be in the know by texting RAILROAD to 772-22 and receive text updates on the go. Follow us on social media @railroadcanyon for the latest news and photos.

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Railroad Canyon Archives - Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)

2022: Project Milestones and Looking Forward

Construction of I-15 Railroad Canyon Interchange Marks One Year