The Point: RCTC votes unanimously to advance three projects that will relieve congestion on I-15 corridor.
The RCTC Commission unanimously voted last week to recommend $100.5 million in state funding for three projects to relieve traffic congestion on the I-15 corridor.
These projects include the…
- Next phase of the I-15 Express Lanes from Cajalco Road to State Route 74
- I-15/Railroad Canyon Interchange in Lake Elsinore
- I-15/French Valley Parkway Interchange in Temecula
“I am very pleased that RCTC has chosen to recommend $50 million in state funding to begin planning the next phase of improvements on I-15, from Cajalco to Highway 74,” said County of Riverside, District 1 Supervisor Kevin Jeffries and RCTC Commissioner. “This is only the first step in a long process to get relief for residents and commuters in this corridor, but approving this request while we are still just starting construction on the first phase of widening on I-15 makes it clear that fixing this problem is a priority for us.”
Every two years, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) accepts nominations for funding from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Each county receives a fair share of dollars from the program based on the population of the county. The STIP is an opportunity for Riverside County to set its own priorities for state transportation funds and address unique regional needs, such as congestion throughout the I-15 corridor.
New funding for these I-15 corridor projects is possible due to the recent passage of Senate Bill 1, which makes long-term investments in the state’s transportation system.
Extending the I-15 Express Lanes south to Lake Elsinore is a top priority of RCTC. The project will provide more reliable time-saving travel options for drivers and express transit riders who on average have some of the longest commutes in California. In 2011, RCTC partnered with the City of Lake Elsinore to take the lead in upgrading the I-15/Railroad Canyon Interchange, which will significantly improve safety, time savings, and economic growth for Lake Elsinore residents. The I-15/French Valley Parkway Interchange will provide a critical traffic outlet for the city of Temecula and also lead to time savings and quality of life improvements for southwest Riverside County.
“Restoring funding to the French Valley Parkway interchange is welcome news for southwest Riverside County,” said County of Riverside, District 3 and RCTC Second Vice Chair Chuck Washington. “Residents, businesses and tourists all rely on the I-15 and I-215 corridors. This project will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both freeways which is why we will continue to work together to advance this project to construction and upgrade our infrastructure.”
RCTC will now prepare a formal application for the STIP funds, due in December. The CTC is scheduled to give final approval in March 2018.
RCTC will also nominate STIP funding for the Coachella Valley. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) will make funding recommendations to RCTC on September 25 for how the desert region’s $22.7 million share of STIP funds should be allocated.