The Point: Send comments by Friday using website or email
Did you miss last week’s meetings? Residents attended three open houses last week to learn about a proposed project to extend the Interstate 15 Express Lanes south to Lake Elsinore. If you couldn’t attend in person, it’s not too late to submit comments through the “Online Meeting” website or by email through Friday, November 22.
The “Online Meeting” at rctc.org/15expsouth includes the same exhibits shown at the open houses and opportunity to submit comments. You also may send comments via email at 15expsouth@dot.ca.gov until November 22.
During the open houses, visitors asked project team members about possible access points for the express lanes, the duration of the engineering and environmental studies, the location of potential noise barriers, current and future toll rates, considering general-purpose lanes as a project alternative, adding lanes along I-15 to address traffic congestion from “lane drops,” and the need to widen bridges and roads adjacent to I-15. Other comments also were received and will be considered as part of the process.
The 30-day public scoping period is required as part of the preliminary engineering and environmental studies that RCTC and Caltrans began this spring for the I-15 Express Lanes Southern Extension. Once draft environmental documents are prepared, the public again will be invited to comment, likely in 2022.
For several years, RCTC has heard from drivers, who are frustrated with growing traffic and are seeking improvements south of Corona in Temescal Valley and Lake Elsinore. RCTC is moving as quickly as possible on this proposed project to improve traffic congestion and mobility.
The project proposes to add I-15 capacity by extending the 15 Express Lanes, currently under construction, by an additional 14.5 miles, from Cajalco Road in Corona, through Temescal Valley, to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. RCTC and Caltrans propose adding two tolled express lanes in both directions within the I-15 median to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. No existing lanes would be converted to express lanes.
Visit rctc.org/15expsouth to learn more.