Draft Environmental Document Available for Public Review 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have released the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) for the proposed Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension today for the public to review and submit comments. The 45-day public comment period runs from October 9 to November 26, 2024. RCTC will host three public hearings to provide the public information and to gather feedback from residents on the project.

The proposed project would extend the I-15 Express Lanes an additional 15.8 miles from El Cerrito Road in Corona through Temescal Valley to State Route 74 (Central Avenue) in Lake Elsinore. The new Express Lanes would not replace any existing lanes. The project consists of adding two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening the pavement and bridges. The project would also add southbound I-15 auxiliary lanes between both the Nichols Road on-ramp and the SR-74 (Central Avenue) off-ramp, and between the SR-74 (Central Avenue) on-ramp and Main Street off-ramp.

Once the entire length is constructed, the project would provide a reliable tolled travel time option to move motorists through this congested corridor and maintain compatibility with the regional Express Lanes network. The project would also increase opportunities for mass transit, such as RTA Express Buses and carpooling.

RCTC will respond to comments following the closure of the public comment period and prepare a Final Environmental Document for Commission consideration. Construction on the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension may begin in 2027 depending on funding availability.

Public participation is crucial. Residents are encouraged to review the draft environmental document beginning October 9 through November 26 at rctc.org/15ProjectSouth or at libraries in Corona and Lake Elsinore. Comments may be submitted through the following methods:

• Email: 15ProjectSouth@rctc.org
• By U.S. Mail at:
  Jeff Dietzler, Capital Projects Manager (Tolling)
  Riverside County Transportation Commission
  4080 Lemon Street, Third Floor
  P.O. Box 12008
  Riverside, CA 92501
• Three Open House Public Meetings scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates below; the content will be the same at the three meetings. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

In 2019, RCTC began preliminary engineering and environmental studies work on this segment of the 15 Express Lanes Project. The release of the Draft EIR/EA is a major milestone, moving the region closer to relieving traffic on this part of the highway. Due to rapid population growth along the corridor and increased freight movement, traffic congestion continues to make the commute to and from southwest Riverside County difficult. The project aims to provide alternative travel choices and traffic relief to this region.

For more information on the 15 Express Project Southern Extension, visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth