Interstate 15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project
Status: Under Construction
Location: Western Riverside County
Type of Project: Highways
Location: Northbound Interstate 15 from the San Diego/Riverside County Line in Temecula to the 15/215 Interchange in Murrieta
Engineering/Environmental Studies: Completed late 2023
Construction: Fall 2024 to Fall 2025
Investment: $25 million
OVERVIEW
RCTC, in partnership with Caltrans, the City of Temecula, Western Riverside County Council of Governments (WRCOG) are implementing an innovative corridor approach for improved traffic operations on northbound I-15 from the San Diego/Riverside County Line in Temecula to the I-15/I-215 Interchange in Murrieta.
The pilot project will use sensors and “smart” technology to continuously monitor real-time traffic conditions on this eight-mile, non-tolled section of I-15. Severe traffic congestion occurs in this area, due to a high volume of vehicles entering the freeway simultaneously, especially during peak afternoon and evening hours. The pilot project will also use ramp meters that work as a coordinated system that adapts to allow more or fewer vehicles to enter I-15 at any given time from the Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road on-ramps.
Designed as a two-year pilot project, the project is anticipated to improve overall traffic flow and reduce rear-end collisions by maintaining steady travel speeds within the I-15 corridor, without highway expansion and related construction costs and impacts.
Drivers may initially experience short delays on the on-ramps but will gain overall time savings once on the freeway, with fewer stops and starts.
RCTC is conducting engineering and environmental studies, as well as project design. Construction is expected to start in fall 2024.
Construction, including installing the ”smart” technology, coordinating the on-ramp signal timing, and placing roadside informational signs, began December 2024 and should take about a year. Operations may start in 2026 and will continue as a pilot project for two years.
During the pilot period, RCTC and Caltrans will evaluate the project to assess its effect on traffic congestion and determine possible expansion of the program statewide. This schedule is subject to change.
- 2019 – RCTC began exploring smart freeway technologies
- March 2022 – RCTC received $5 million of Community Project Funding in the federal Appropriations Omnibus Bill, through the support of Congressman Ken Calvert. The $5 million allocation will complete the $18 million funding package for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project.
- 2023-2024 – Completion of engineering and environmental studies and final design; release of construction bid
- December 2024 – Construction begins on the project.
Subscribe for updates on the Interstate 15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project
Join RCTC for an in-person open house meeting for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project.
In-Person
When: Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Temecula City Hall Conference Center
41000 Main Street
Temecula, CA 92590
Virtual
When: Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: rctc.org/SmartFreewayMeeting