I-15 Construction Closures: Onramp, Lane Closures Week Of Aug. 1

TEMECULA, CA — The Riverside County Transportation Commission is continuing work through Temecula, along the I-15 corridor this week on the Smart Freeway Project, the agency announced. This week, from July 28 through Aug. 1, nighttime ramp and road closures will occur in the following locations.

Nighttime closures the week of Aug. 1:

Rancho California Road (Straight) On-Ramp Closure:

• Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31 (each night) from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 1, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Northbound I-15 Lane Closures (from Rancho California Road to the I-215 split):

• Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31 (each night) from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 1, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

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," a statement from the commission said. "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, its ultimate goal is 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.

When the pilot project is complete, 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.