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

The Point: Early environmental studies are under way    

Rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley? The Riverside County Transportation Commission provided an update to its Technical Advisory Committee on May 31 regarding the possible addition of Amtrak intercity passenger rail service between Los Angeles Union Station and Indio.

RCTC and project partners, the Federal Railroad Administration and Caltrans, are conducting “program level” state and federal environmental studies for the proposed Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service.

They also are preparing a service development plan to conceptualize how the service would operate through the corridor and what infrastructure improvements would be needed.

The service is envisioned to provide a safe, reliable, convenient intercity passenger rail service for residents, businesses and visitors. Two daily round trips are proposed, using the Burlington Northern Santa Fe San Bernardino Subdivision Line on the west end of the corridor and the Union Pacific Yuma Subdivision Line on the east end of the corridor. Up to six station area locations also will be evaluated.

The current work is one of the early steps for project delivery. Once the “program level” environmental studies are completed, more detailed project level environmental studies and preliminary engineering would occur, followed by final design and construction. Pending completion of these steps and available funding, service could start as early as 2024.

Public scoping meetings about the proposed project were held in October 2016. For questions and more information, please click here.