The Point: Study will look at ways to improve traffic flow
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.