Riverside-Downtown Station Improvements Project
Long Term
Status: Project is paused and not currently active
Location: Western Riverside County
Type of Project: Rail Station Improvements
Status: Project is paused and not currently active
Location: Western Riverside County
Type of Project: Rail Station Improvements
Location: Riverside-Downtown Metrolink Station
Complete Environmental: Late 2022
Complete Final Design and Right of Way: Late 2023
Construction: To follow after completion of Final Design and Right-of-Way phases
Investment: $65-80 million
OVERVIEW
The Riverside-Downtown Station Improvements Project is paused and not currently active.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission, in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration and Metrolink, is conducting studies to support an Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for proposed improvements to the Riverside-Downtown Station.
RCTC and Metrolink are working to improve the transportation network in southern California. Increasing freight train service causes delays to Metrolink service at the Riverside-Downtown Station. Station improvements are needed to avoid conflicts with freight train traffic, reduce delays, and allow for future Metrolink service expansion. The purpose of the project is to expand platform capacity, and improve operations, efficiency, connectivity, and the passenger experience at the station.
The proposed project focuses on improvements primarily on the east side of the station and tracks. The improvements include adding a passenger loading platform and tracks and extending. the pedestrian overpass to access the new platform. Pedestrian access and parking improvements along Howard Avenue are also proposed as part of the project.
Public Comments
RCTC hosted two public hearings for residents to learn more about the proposed project and provide official public comments. A virtual public hearing was held December 15. An in-person public hearing was held December 16. Written public comments were accepted through February 18, 2022 using the following methods:
Email: stationproject@rctc.org
Online: https://bit.ly/RDSComment
U.S Mail: Mr. David Lewis, Capital Projects Manager
Riverside County Transportation Commission
Attn: Riverside-Downtown Station Improvements Project
4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor
Riverside, CA 92501
RCTC began the environmental process with the distribution and posting of the Notice of Preparation in January 2020 and a public scoping meeting on February 6, 2020. The team has prepared technical studies on the potential impacts of the proposed project improvements and released the Draft Environmental Impact Report in December 2021.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment have been released to the public. The public comment period will be open for 60 days, and two public hearings will occur in late 2021. The public hearings will be held to ensure all participants have a voice in this process. A court reporter and Spanish speaking interpreters will help staff the public hearing.
The next major milestone will be the public review and comment period of the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment, released in late 2021. Final design and right of way activities will take place after the environmental document is finalized. The anticipated completion of final design and right of way is late 2023, with construction to follow.
Anticipated Schedule
Dates subject to change.
In January 2020, RCTC posted the Notice of Preparation in the State Clearinghouse and The Press-Enterprise and La Prensa newspapers. A public scoping meeting was held at Lincoln High School in February 2020. The meeting was attended by community members and representatives of the City of Riverside, RCTC, and Metrolink.
RCTC met with multiple project stakeholders to provide information and updates. Presentations were made to the Eastside Neighborhood Forum (March 2020 and April 2021), Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, and the Transportation Now Riverside Chapter. Additionally, RCTC and the FTA conducted Section 106 consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office to evaluate potential impacts to historic and cultural resources. Additional public outreach to historic groups was also performed by the project team. RCTC provided another project update to the Eastside Neighborhood Forum in November 2021 before the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for public review.
In late 2021, RCTC released the Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental Impact Report to the State Clearinghouse, The Press-Enterprise, and La Prensa. A 60-day public review and comment period will follow the release of this document. Two public hearings will be held during the public comment period. Once the public comment period is concluded, all comments will be addressed in the Final Environmental Document.
Draft Environmental Documents Â
Executive Summary
CEQA
NEPA
Appendices
- Appendix A. References
- Appendix B. List of Preparers
- Appendix C. Correspondence
- Appendix D. Environmental Assessment Figures
- Appendix E. Environmental Commitments Record
- Appendix F. CEQA Checklist
- Appendix G. Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Technical Report
- Appendix H. Biological Resources Study
- Appendix I. Community Impact Assessment
- Appendix J. Geotechnical Exploration Report
- Appendix K. Energy Analysis Technical Memo
- Appendix L. Historic Resources Report
- Appendix M. Hazardous Waste and Materials Documents
- Appendix N. Noise and Vibration Technical Report
- Appendix O. Paleontological Identification and Evaluation Report
- Appendix P. Draft Relocation Impact Report
- Appendix Q. Draft Individual Section 4(f) Evaluation
- Appendix R. Traffic Impact Analysis
- Appendix S. Visual Impact Assessment
- Appendix T. Hydrology/Hydraulics/Stormwater Quality Technical Memorandum
- Appendix U. Distribution List
- Appendix V. Metrolink Strategic Business Plan
- Appendix W. Project Definition Report
Notice of Availability
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project are now available for public review. To view these and all other supplemental documents and provide an official public comment, click here . The 60-day review period of these documents will begin December 3, 2021 and end February 18, 2022. These documents are also available for review in physical form at the following locations:
RCTC Office at 4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92501
City of Riverside – Third Floor/Planning at 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522
Cesar Chavez Community Center at 2060 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
Public Scoping Meeting Summary
Public Scoping Meeting ExhibitsÂ
Community Presentations:
- Scoping Meeting (February 6, 2020)
- Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
- Downtown Business Council
- Eastside Neighborhood Forum
- Riverside Transportation Now Chapter
- Riverside Unified School District
- City of Riverside Community Health
- Foundation/Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Zone Program
- Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice and League of United Latin American Citizens 3190
- Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce
- Downtown Area Neighborhood Alliance
- City of Riverside Cultural Heritage Board
- Old Riverside Foundation
Interstate 15 South Widening
Long Term
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, proposes to add lanes to Interstate 15 between Route 74 and the Riverside County/San Diego County Line. The project is in the expenditure plan for Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. Measure A will fund a portion of the project. However, the expenditure plan assumed 50 percent of all project expenses would be paid for with federal and state transportation funding sources. These sources are currently funded far below historical levels; therefore, until additional funding is available, RCTC cannot proceed with environmental reviews, design, right-of-way acquisition, or construction of the project.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY METROLINK STATION IMPROVEMENTS
Long Term
Status: Under Construction
Location: Western Riverside County
Type of Project: Rail Station Improvements
Location: Riverside County Metrolink Stations
Construction: Various
Investment: Various
For questions related to these projects, email info@rctc.org
OVERVIEW
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) owns and operates the Metrolink stations in Riverside County. Many improvements are being made to the stations to ensure riders have a positive experience.
See below for more information about each of the projects:
This project will address the needs of Riverside County commuters. Benefits and features include:
- Capacity: Adding a second train platform and lengthening the existing train platform to accommodate the length of Metrolink’s standard six-car trains. This will allow for service improvements on the 91/Perris Valley Line — both peak service and reverse commute service to and from adjacent counties — as well as improved service reliability within Riverside County. The project also will upgrade 2.5 miles of track that are part of a future nine mile double-track corridor south of the station.
- Traffic Flow: Reducing traffic congestion on Interstate 215 by providing efficient and reliable public transit options for Riverside County residents who have some of the longest commutes in southern California.
- Clean Air: Reducing auto emissions by encouraging more residents to commute by train.
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2022 and be completed by spring 2024.
This project will expand the Metrolink train layover facility at the Riverside-Downtown Station. The project will allow more trains to be housed at the station at the end of each night shift, which will allow for more efficient service.
Work began in March 2020 and was completed in May 2021.
This project proposes building an additional passenger loading platform and tracks to improve Metrolink service and extending the existing pedestrian bridge for added elevator and stair access.
Environmental studies and final design are under way and are expected to be completed by 2022.
This project is modernizing elevators at the Corona-North Main and Riverside-Downtown Stations by upgrading parts and installing new technology. The upgrades will allow the elevators to run more smoothly and with less down-time or needed repairs.
Upgrades to the Corona-North Main Station elevators were completed in April 2020. Upgrades to the Riverside-Downtown Station elevators are expected to be completed in June 2020.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Project
Long Term
Status: Long Term
Location:Â Coachella Valley
Type of Project: Rail Corridor
Location: Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside, with proposed future connection to Amtrak’s Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor
Type of Project: Passenger Rail
Investment: Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR approximately $7 million. Have secured $23 million in funding toward $60 million Tier 2 EIS/EIR cost. Future design and construction costs to be determined.
OVERVIEW
The Riverside County Transportation Commission certified the Final Tier 1/Program-Level Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report in July 2022 for proposed daily intercity passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. In coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and the California Department of Transportation, RCTC is proposing this service as an alternate mode of east-west travel across southern California, connecting the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside.
The service would provide game-changing access to jobs and education centers while reducing vehicle miles traveled and combating climate change and air pollution. In addition, the rail service would significantly expand economic opportunities by opening travel to restaurants, resorts, music festivals, sports facilities, and commercial and retail centers. The nine stations also offer a host of transit-oriented development opportunities. The proposed service would extend approximately 144 miles between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley with stops in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, including up to six stations on the east end. CV Rail would comprise a substantial segment of Amtrak’s Tucson-Los Angeles corridor. The Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor would connect passengers to Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle routes, broadening travel opportunities nationwide.
With the certification of the Final Tier 1/Program-Level EIS/EIR, RCTC and Caltrans are actively seeking funding for the Tier 2/Project-Level environmental analysis, which will study specific stations and detailed engineering.
The Commission certified the Final Tier 1 Program-Level Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report on July 13, 2022. This followed the release of the report on June 9, 2022 and public review of the the Draft Tier 1/Program-Level EIS/EIR from May 21 to July 6, 2021.
Station locations, funding, and the timing for the start of construction and service will be identified during the future Tier 2 Project-Level EIS/EIR. RCTC and Caltrans are pursuing funding for this Tier 2 work.
Notice of Availability & Public Hearing Notice
Aviso de disponibilidad y anuncio de reunión pública
Combined FINAL TIER 1/PROGRAM EIS/EIR AND RECORD OF DECISION
Appendix A – Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR
Appendix B – Public Outreach Summary Report
Appendix C – Comments Received on Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR
Appendix D – Response to Comments on the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR
Appendix E – CEQA Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
RCTC released the draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR for public review on May 21, 2021. The public review and comment period was open until July 6, 2021. During the public comment period, RCTC held two public hearings to provide the public an opportunity to weigh in on the document contents. Presentations and video from the three public hearings are available below:
Final Tier 1/Program Level EIS/EIR Public Hearing: Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Video
Public Hearing #1: Tuesday, June 22, 2021
English Presentation
Spanish Presentation
Video
Video en español
Public Hearing #2: Saturday, June 26, 2021
English Presentation
Spanish Presentation
Video
Video en español
Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR
Fact Sheet (Spanish)
Alternatives Analysis Phase (2013-2015)
Resolution Supporting Rail Service
Executive Summary
Final Alternatives Analysis
Final Alternatives Appendices
Public Meeting Presentation
Public Meetings Exhibits
Previous Studies
ROUTE 79 REALIGNMENT PROJECT
Long Term
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, the County of Riverside and the cities of San Jacinto and Hemet, proposes to realign Route 79 between Domenigoni Parkway and Gilman Springs Road, in the San Jacinto-Hemet areas.
The Environmental Document for the project was approved in December 2016. The project is in the expenditure plan for Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. Measure A will fund a portion of the project. However, the expenditure plan assumed 50 percent of all project expenses would be paid for with federal and state transportation funding sources. These sources are currently funded far below historical levels; therefore, until additional funding is available, RCTC cannot proceed with right-of-way acquisition or construction of the project.
The Environmental Document for the project was approved in December of 2016.
- 2004: Public scoping meeting held. Formal start of environmental process.
- 2005:Â Evaluate and redefine alternatives
- 2008:Â Conduct required field surveys and prepare technical reports
- 2009-2012:Â Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS)
- 2013: Circulate Draft EIR/EIS for public review and comment, conduct public hearings and review comments
- 2014:Â Preparation of Partially Recirculated Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS, identify Preferred Alternative for Project
- 2015:Â Partially recirculated Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS available for public review and comment
- 2016:Â Publish Final EIR/EIS, prepare and publish ROD
- 2017 & Beyond:Â Final design, Right of Way acquisition, and construction
Environmental Documents
Record of Decision (Aug 2016), click here.
Draft Environmental Documents
- Partially Recirculated Draft EIR/Supplementary Draft EIS
- Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement – February 2013Â Â
Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement
Project Notices
STATE ROUTE 71 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Long Term
OVERVIEW
Widen to three lanes in each direction from SR-91 to the San Bernardino County line.
INTERSTATE 215 NORTH PROJECT
Long Term
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, proposes to widen a 10.75-mile section of Interstate 215 from Nuevo Road in Perris to the 60/215 Interchange in Riverside. One carpool lane is proposed to be added to I-215 in both directions, as well as a westbound auxiliary lane to improve traffic merging onto Route 60. The project is in the expenditure plan for Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. Measure A will fund a portion of the project. However, the expenditure plan assumed 50 percent of all project expenses would be paid for with federal and state transportation funding sources. These sources are currently funded far below historical levels; therefore, until additional funding is available, RCTC cannot proceed with environmental reviews, design, right-of-way acquisition, or construction of the project.
10/60 Interchange Project
Long Term
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, proposes to upgrade the interchange between Interstate 10 and Route 60 in the Beaumont area. The project is in the expenditure plan for Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. Measure A will fund a portion of the project. However, the expenditure plan assumed 50 percent of all project expenses would be paid for with federal and state transportation funding sources. These sources are currently funded far below historical levels; therefore, until additional funding is available, RCTC cannot proceed with environmental reviews, design, right-of-way acquisition, or construction of the project.
INTERSTATE 10 TRUCK CLIMBING LANE PROJECT
Long Term
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, proposes to add an eastbound truck climbing lane from the I-10 San Bernardino County line to the City of Banning. The project is in the expenditure plan for Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County. Measure A will fund a portion of the project. However, the expenditure plan assumed 50 percent of all project expenses would be paid for with federal and state transportation funding sources. These sources are currently funded far below historical levels; therefore, until additional funding is available, RCTC cannot proceed with environmental reviews, design, right-of-way acquisition, or construction of the project.