The Point: Ribbon-cutting ceremony saluted hardworking crews and project delivery partners
With the snip of a shiny purple ribbon on June 2, RCTC celebrated the opening of the Route 60 Truck Lanes, which now offer a safer and more efficient way to travel between the Coachella Valley and western Riverside County.
The eastbound truck-climbing lane and the westbound truck-descending lane opened May 20, ahead of schedule and within budget. RCTC began building the $138 million project in June 2019, with Caltrans providing design and construction oversight.
The lanes stretch 4.5 miles – from Gilman Springs Road to 1.4 miles west of Jack Rabbit Trail – between Moreno Valley and Beaumont through the formerly treacherous “Badlands.” Built next to the outer shoulders in both directions, the truck lanes separate slower-moving and faster-moving vehicles.
RCTC Chair V. Manuel Perez, who also is the Riverside County 4th District Supervisor, explained, “This project will provide a huge boost for the Coachella Valley tourism industry. This is a big deal for public safety reasons, a big deal for tourism reasons.”
With the opening of the Route 60 Truck Lanes in May and the opening of the I-15 Railroad Canyon Interchange in Lake Elsinore in April, Perez noted that 2022 is shaping up to be a strong year for RCTC project delivery. The I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange in Perris is scheduled to open later this year.
Highway construction projects are not easy to deliver. The 60 Truck Lanes Project was a collaboration between RCTC, Caltrans, project management consultants, and contractors, with a healthy dose of support from motorists who were able to see the project take shape during the past three years. All of these groups were recognized and celebrated during the ceremony.
Project closeout work will continue, with nighttime lane closures required. Please follow @60trucklanes on social media or visit the project website, rctc.org/60trucklanes, for updates. In addition, please follow @theRCTC on social media for ongoing transportation news throughout Riverside County.