I-15 Freeway Getting Temporary Lane To Relieve RivCo Traffic

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Work will begin this spring to add a temporary freeway lane on southbound Interstate 15 in Corona and Temescal Valley, the Riverside County Transportation Commission has announced.

The non-tolled lane will stretch from the Cajalco Road on-ramp to the Weirick Road off-ramp, next to the freeway's outer shoulder, and is part of the I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project, according to a recent RCTC news release. The lane is designed to help relieve traffic congestion in the area (see map below).

A $3.4 million construction contract has been awarded to Corona-based All American Asphalt for work on the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in May, with the new lane planned to open this summer or early fall. The contract includes financial incentives if the lane opens ahead of schedule.

Once completed, southbound I-15, between the Cajalco Road and Weirick Road ramps, will include four lanes. Other work includes:

• Additional space for emergency vehicles along the inner shoulder
• Upgrades to existing guardrails and installation of new guardrails
• Improved drainage system
• New overhead signs

Crews will also strengthen the shoulder pavement to handle additional traffic loads and restripe the highway to accommodate the new lane, according to the RCTC.

Last spring, RCTC, Caltrans, the City of Corona, and the County of Riverside officials began meeting to develop traffic improvements for the congested freeway area. Input from the California Highway Patrol was also provided. The group recommended the I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project to provide "near-term congestion relief," according to the RCTC.

The temporary lane will be in place for about three years, the agency said.

RCTC and project partners are also working on environmental studies for a long-term solution for the area called the I-15 Corridor Operations Project. It proposes adding a permanent lane to the same section of southbound I-15.

If approved, the permanent project would also widen the median and restripe the highway to slightly wider lane widths and shoulder; modify the Cajalco Road on-ramp and Weirick Road off-ramp; widen the Bedford Wash Bridge; build retaining walls; and improve drainage.

If approved, construction on the $38 million I-15 Corridor Operations Project would take place from 2023 to late 2025, according to the RCTC.