The Commission took a bold step toward modernizing how motorists receive help on Riverside County roads by approving a contract with ICF Resources, LLC to conduct a comprehensive study on designing a next-generation Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) that reflects today’s technology and continues to meet the needs of the traveling public, especially following the recent sunset of the county’s call box system.

Before the widespread use of cell phones, call boxes were a lifeline for stranded drivers. Introduced in the 1990s, these roadside devices allowed motorists to request emergency help along highways and major corridors. But as cell phone coverage expanded and call box maintenance challenges mounted, RCTC and transportation agencies across California began phasing out the system. Over the past year, the remaining call boxes in Riverside County were removed.

Recognizing that motorists continue to face roadside emergencies despite the decline of call boxes usage, RCTC is exploring innovative ways to support motorists in need of assistance. The study will be the first-of-its-kind in California and will assess Riverside County’s current Motorist Assistance Program and identify modern alternatives that can fill the gap left by call boxes. The study will analyze various data points, including California Highway Patrol incident data, traffic volumes, and cellular coverage, to pinpoint areas where motorists may lack reliable service. The study will explore mobile-based solutions such as a 511 “call box” app feature, better cellular connectivity in low-coverage corridors, and the use of apps like Waze for real-time incident detection. Additionally, the study will evaluate the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) to optimize service within current funding levels and anticipate future growth needs.

ICF is comprised of specialists in data analytics, emerging mobility technologies, and equity-focused planning. RCTC will coordinate with state and regional partners, including Caltrans, CHP, and local first responders, to ensure the new system leverages cutting-edge technology while remaining responsive to the needs of the community, partners, and stakeholders.

RCTC is asking the public to participate in the renaming of the 79 Realignment Project! RCTC, in partnership with the County of Riverside, is working on Segment 3 of the SR-79 Realignment Project. The project is a proposed new 12-mile county expressway from south of Domenigoni Parkway north to Gilman Springs Road with two lanes in each direction. Since the new corridor will not be part of the state highway system, RCTC is asking residents to help choose a new name that reflects the local character, culture, and identity of the region.

The new expressway is designed to improve safety and connectivity for the growing communities of Winchester, Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding areas in Riverside County. Once complete, the new expressway will include two lanes in each direction separated by a 14-foot median, outside shoulders, and space reserved for a future 35-foot-wide transportation corridor and multipurpose trail. Key improvements include wildlife passageways, bridges over Salt Creek Channel, Patterson Avenue, and Patton Avenue, and design elements to enhance traffic flow and safety.

The project was first envisioned as a state route facility and later converted to a county expressway due to funding and state policy changes. RCTC invites the public to participate in the naming process through a short online survey. Residents are encouraged to submit a name that honors the region’s history, culture, and identity. The input gathered will help shape the future of this vital corridor.

Submit your suggestion for the name of the new expressway, along with a brief explanation, by Friday, October 24, 2025. The new name will be selected in early 2026 Each participant will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Fill out the survey at: rctc.org/79-survey

Studies will soon be underway for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project following the Commission’s approval of an engineering and environmental consulting contract on May 10.

RCTC, in coordination with Caltrans, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), and the City of Corona, is proposing to add a lane to eastbound 91 from the 241 Toll Road connector to the 71 connector in Corona. The new lane is designed to help improve traffic operations on eastbound 91, especially during afternoon and evening hours, and enhance safety due to better merging conditions.

“Economic opportunities and population growth in Riverside County create commuting challenges across our region, including on the 91,” said Commission Chair and Lake Elsinore City Councilmember Robert “Bob” Magee. “The 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project study provides a path towards improving traffic flow and safety that will help keep our region moving,” he said.

In 2022, OCTA partnered with RCTC, TCA, Caltrans, and the cities of Anaheim, Yorba Linda, and Corona to complete an alternative analysis study that recommended four design options for the new lane. Under the new contract, the four designs will be analyzed, the preferred option will be selected, and preliminary engineering and environmental approval documentation will be performed. This phase of work is expected to take two to three years.

Once project approval is achieved, RCTC will seek funding for future project phases, including final design and construction. Timing for these next phases of work will depend upon the availability of funding. In April, RCTC’s request to Representative Young Kim for $3 million in federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding was recommended to the House Appropriations Committee. If approved later this year, the funding will go towards future design costs.

The project will complement the 71/91 Interchange, which is replacing the single-lane loop connector with a new, two-lane direct connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 91, helping with traffic operations in western Riverside County. The 71/91 Interchange began construction in January and is expected to open in 2025.

To register for 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project updates, please visit the “Contact Us” section of the webpage, rctc.org/91ecop.

RCTC and Caltrans will begin studies for possible upgrades to the Highland Springs Avenue Interchange with Interstate 10, which straddles the cities of Banning and Beaumont.

The study will look at potential ways to modify existing local roads, the interchange, on-ramps, and off-ramps to improve how people travel through this heavily-congested area.

The interchange is the main connection to large housing developments, the Sun Lakes Country Club, and multiple shopping, retail, and medical centers. This interchange has one of the highest peak traffic volumes per hour and per month on Interstate 10 in Riverside County.

RCTC approved agreements with Caltrans and the cities of Banning and Beaumont this month to begin the study process. RCTC will be the lead for the project study, which should take about a year.

Following this initial study, the project could move forward for environmental reviews, design and possible future construction. Funding for the estimated $40 million construction project has not yet been identified.

The Point: Study to be postponed for about two years   

A study to weigh the possibility of new express lanes is on hold, following a vote by RCTC Commissioners on September 11.

Earlier this year, RCTC completed a feasibility study for new express lanes on State Route 91 in Riverside, State Route 60 between Jurupa Valley and Moreno Valley, and State Route 60/Interstate 215 between Riverside and Moreno Valley. The study looked at converting current carpool lanes to express lanes and, in some cases, also adding a new lane.  The Commission then voted to pursue more in-depth studies of the carpool lanes in these three areas, including analysis of multiple options on these routes.

Simultaneously, Caltrans is conducting studies of carpool lanes in Riverside County and San Bernardino County.

The Riverside City Council adopted a resolution August 20 opposing conversion of the carpool lane on State Route 91 into an express lane.  The Riverside County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution September 10 to oppose converting carpool lanes to express lanes that do not allow two-person carpools to ride without a fee. After several RCTC Commissioners raised questions and concerns, the Commission placed the study on hold on Sept. 11.

At the meeting, Riverside Mayor and RCTC Commissioner Rusty Bailey noted the need to gather information to make an informed decision about expanding express lanes, but questioned the timing of conducting the study.

“Given the concerns raised by the Board of Supervisors and Riverside City Council and given that Caltrans has plans to do similar mobility analysis, I don’t believe this is the best use of our limited resources at this time,” he said.

Through a vote of 25-5, the Commission voted to place the study on hold until Caltrans concludes its analysis or until staff recommends that the Commission discuss the item further. The Caltrans studies are anticipated to take about two years.

In the meantime, RCTC is continuing construction of the 15 Express Lanes Project between State Route 60 and Cajalco Road, with the new lanes planned to open during the second half of 2020. RCTC also is conducting engineering and environmental studies of the 15 Express Lanes Southern Extension between Cajalco Road and State Route 74. In 2020, construction will begin on the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which will provide a direct connection to the 91 Express Lanes from southbound Interstate 15.

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.