The Point: Commission approves construction contract; work could begin in May
Drivers on southbound Interstate 15 in Corona and Temescal Valley won’t have to wait long for an additional lane. RCTC approved a $3.4 million construction contract for the I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project on March 9. Work is anticipated to begin in May and the new lane should open in the summer or early fall. In the transportation arena, that is lightning fast.
The project will add a non-tolled lane to southbound I-15 from the Cajalco Road on-ramp to the Weirick Road off-ramp, next to the outer shoulder. The highway is wide enough to accommodate the new lane, and crews will strengthen the shoulder pavement to handle additional traffic loads and restripe the lanes. Once completed, southbound I-15 in this area will include four lanes. Other enhancements include:
- Additional space for emergency vehicles along the inner shoulder
- Upgrades to existing guardrails and installation of new guardrails
- Improved drainage systems
- New overhead signs
The project was developed to help relieve increased traffic congestion along southbound I-15 near Cajalco Road, where the 15 Express Lanes end. RCTC, Caltrans, the City of Corona, and the County of Riverside began meeting last spring to develop traffic management solutions, combined with input from the California Highway Patrol. The group recommended the I-15 interim project to provide near-term congestion relief with a temporary lane.
RCTC conducted environmental studies and design, which were completed earlier this year, paving the way to seek bids and award a construction contract to All American Asphalt, based in Corona. The contract includes financial incentives for the work to be completed ahead of schedule.
The new temporary lane will be in place for about three years. RCTC and project partners are concurrently working on environmental studies for the Interstate 15 Corridor Operations Project, which will add a permanent lane to this section of southbound I-15, create wider lanes and shoulders, modify the Cajalco Road on-ramp and Weirick Road off-ramp, widen the Bedford Wash Bridge, build retaining walls, and improve drainage.
Register to receive email notices at rctc.org/15icop and follow @theRCTC on social media for updates. For more information, call 951-787-7141.