The Point: Construction to start this fall on Placentia Avenue Interchange, first segment of Mid County Parkway Project
Construction is right around the corner for a new interchange at Placentia Avenue in Perris, which will allow drivers to enter and exit Interstate 215 at this location. The Riverside County Transportation Commission awarded a $30 million contract to Riverside Construction last month from a field of 11 bidders.
Work is scheduled to begin in September and the new interchange is anticipated to open in fall 2022, subject to good weather.
The project is the first construction segment of the future Mid County Parkway, a new 16-mile east-west route between Perris and San Jacinto. Future segments of the Mid County Parkway are not funded, so the timing of any further work is uncertain.
The new I-215 Placentia Avenue interchange, which will be located between Ramona Expressway to the north and Nuevo Road to the south, is designed to meet the needs of the area’s growing population. With an estimated 425 new jobs to be created, the project will aid in Riverside County’s economic recovery.
“RCTC is eager to start construction,” said RCTC Chair and Wildomar City Council Member Ben J. Benoit. “This project is one of many that we are beginning this year to improve our region’s transportation network and jump-start the economy,” he said.
Benefits and features include:
- Access: Adding new northbound and southbound on-ramps and off-ramps
- Improved Traffic Flow: Realigning East Frontage Road, widening the existing Placentia Avenue overcrossing, and adding lanes to Placentia Avenue between Harvill Avenue and Indian Avenue
- Safety: Building storm water detention basis to reduce flooding on local streets
- Clean Air: Reducing the number of idling vehicles, for improved air quality and less gas consumption
Please expect noise and periodic closures to the Placentia Avenue bridge, slow down, allow extra travel time, watch for construction crews and equipment, be alert to changing conditions, follow detours, and stay informed by checking construction updates, social media, and mapping apps.
Funding is provided by a combination of state funding and Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County.
To improve access to the new interchange, the City of Perris is planning to widen Placentia Avenue between Indian Avenue and Perris Boulevard from two to five lanes. The widening project is expected to be completed at the same time as the interchange project.
For more information and to register for construction updates, visit rctc.org/placentia