The Point: Drivers will have a new travel option and expanded tolling network
Opening day is this Saturday! The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 15 Express Lanes will offer a new way to travel, starting April 10.
The new tolled roadway will include two lanes in both directions in the I-15 median and will extend 15 miles between Route 60 in Eastvale/Jurupa Valley and Route 91 in Corona. Multiple entry and exit points are available within the 15 Express Lanes, including at least one in each city along the corridor.
“RCTC is excited to open these new lanes to provide another way to get to work, school, or recreational destinations,” said RCTC Chair and Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik. “We know that time is precious, and the express lanes offer convenience and reliable trip times for drivers,” she said.
To use the lanes, be sure you have a properly mounted FasTrak® transponder in your vehicle, linked to a prepaid account. If you don’t have an account, you may open one at riversideexpress.com or by calling 855-951-1500. A FasTrak® transponder issued by any California toll agency will be accepted in the 15 Express Lanes. Drivers will pay the rate shown for each travel segment when they enter the lanes. Rates will adjust to real-time traffic conditions to help maintain free-flowing travel conditions.
Carpools of three or more per vehicle with an active account and a FasTrak® Flex (switchable) transponder will pay a 50% discounted rate or ride for free for a limited time. If you ride a motorcycle, you may use the lanes for no charge. Drivers of zero-emission vehicles will receive a 15% discount.
To learn everything you wanted to know about the 15 Express Lanes (and more!), check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
RCTC began construction of the $472 million project in April 2018. In addition to the new lanes, the project widened 11 bridges and added six sound walls. Funding was provided by Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, and federal sources. Toll revenue will be used to repay a $152 million federal transportation infrastructure loan and to operate and maintain the lanes. During design and construction, 3,300 jobs were created.
In the weeks ahead, RCTC will monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments to ensure smooth operations, with a close eye on traffic flow along southbound I-15 through south Corona and into Temescal Valley, which currently experiences daily bottlenecks during afternoon peak commute times. When the 15 Express Lanes open, I-15 will narrow to three lanes at Cajalco Road when traveling south. Environmental and engineering studies are under way now to accelerate the 15 Corridor Operations Project, which will add a non-tolled lane on southbound I-15 from the Cajalco Road on-ramp to the Weirick Road off-ramp. Construction could start in 2023 and the new lane may open in late 2024.
Construction also is set to begin in mid-April on the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which will link the eastbound 91 Express Lanes to the northbound 15 Express Lanes and link the southbound 15 Express Lanes to the westbound 91 Express Lanes. The connector is expected to open in 2023.