Toll Lanes Proposed For 15 Freeway In Southwest Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Public comments are sought on a construction proposal to extend Interstate 15 toll lanes in both directions from El Cerrito Road in Corona to state Route 74/Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission and Caltrans announced on Oct. 9 that a draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for the proposed Interstate 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension were ready for public review and comments.

The $550-650 million proposed project would add two tolled lanes in each direction within the I-15 median by widening pavement and bridges, according to the RCTC. Toll lanes are currently in place on I-15, north of the proposed extension.

The project would also add southbound auxiliary lanes in Lake Elsinore — between the Nichols Road onramp and the SR-74/Central Avenue offramp, and between the SR-74/Central Avenue onramp and Main Street offramp.

Once completed, the project would provide a toll option to move motorists through the congested corridor. The project would also increase opportunities for mass transit, such as RTA Express Buses and carpooling, according to the RCTC.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft environmental document for the project at rctc.org/15ProjectSouth or at libraries in Corona and Lake Elsinore. The public comment period runs through November 26, 2024.

Comments can be submitted via email to 15ProjectSouth@rctc.org or by U.S. mail to: Jeff Dietzler, Capital Projects Manager (Tolling), Riverside County Transportation Commission, 4080 Lemon Street, Third Floor, P.O. Box 12008, Riverside, CA 92501.

RCTC will respond to comments following the closure of the public comment period and prepare a Final Environmental Document for Commission consideration, the agency said.

Construction on the I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension could begin in 2027, depending on funding availability, according to the RCTC.

Three open house public meetings are scheduled this month to help residents and business owners learn more about the proposal. The meetings will all be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates below (the content will be the same at each meeting, and Spanish interpretation will be provided):

Tuesday, October 22
The Retreat
8007 Soft Winds Drive
Corona, CA 92883

Wednesday, October 23
Lake Elsinore Cultural Center
183 N Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

Tuesday, October 29
Eagle Glen Golf Club
1800 Eagle Glen Parkway
Corona, CA 92883

In 2019, RCTC began preliminary engineering and environmental studies work on the proposed segment of the 15 Express Lanes Project.

"Due to rapid population growth along the corridor and increased freight movement, traffic congestion continues to make the commute to and from southwest Riverside County difficult," according to the RCTC. "The project aims to provide alternative travel choices and traffic relief to this region."

For more information on the 15 Express Project Southern Extension, visit: rctc.org/15ProjectSouth.