New Traffic Lanes Now Open on I-215 in Menifee

The following is a news release from the Riverside County Transportation Commission:

New lanes on Interstate 215 between Menifee and Perris have opened ahead of schedule as part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) I-215 Central Project.

Work on the 12.5-mile project between Scott Road in Menifee and Nuevo Road in Perris began in February 2013 and was anticipated for completion in mid-2015.

Instead, RCTC opened a 6.75-mile section of the project – between Scott Road and Ethanac Road in Perris – starting last week.

The northbound lane was planned to open to drivers on November 7, and the southbound lane was scheduled to open this week, weather and other factors permitting.

“This is great news for Menifee and for thousands of commuters who use I-215 on a daily basis,” said Menifee Mayor Scott Mann who also serves as an RCTC Commissioner. “Transportation will always be a top priority in Riverside County, and projects like this are an important reminder of why investing in infrastructure is so important to our communities and the economy.”

RCTC expedited work on this section of roadway this summer and fall to enable the lanes to open early. The agency secured support from Caltrans and the city of Menifee for up to 17 full freeway closures at night so crews could work more efficiently on bridges through this section of roadway. Although they used only 10 full closures, crews were able to complete the bridge widening and roadway paving significantly ahead of schedule.

The remainder of the project, another 5.75 miles between Ethanac Road and Nuevo Road in Perris, will continue as scheduled, with completion planned for mid-2015.

Once completed, the freeway will span three lanes in both directions from Interstate 15 in Temecula to State Route 60 in Riverside. The project is being paid for through a combination of state and local funding, including Measure A, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax program.

For more information, visit i215project.info or call the project helpline at (855) 442-1546.

Helpline calls will be returned by the next business day. Additionally, real-time traffic conditions and transit information is available by calling 511 or by visiting ie511.org