Rancho California Road Traffic Through Wine Country: Roundabout Coming

TEMECULA, CA — In late 2013, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors signed off on the Temecula Valley Wine Country Community Plan. It is a blueprint designed to shape the character — for decades to come — of the thousands of acres that encompass Temecula Valley Wine Country.

As part of the plan, the Riverside County Transportation Department has sought the construction of roundabouts at five key intersections along a 4-mile stretch of Rancho California Road that traverses through the heart of Wine Country.

On Monday, it was announced that additional funding was allocated for one of the proposed roundabouts.

The Rancho California Road-Calle Contento Roundabout Project is receiving a $2.6 million increase, bringing total funding to $5.1 million to improve traffic flow at this key intersection, according to the announcement from the Western Riverside Council of Governments.

Roundabouts are typically constructed in lieu of conventional all-way stops or signals. According to county documents, the roundabout will improve traffic circulation and safety and benefit the environment by lowering greenhouse emissions; the roundabout will also maintain the character of Wine Country.

On Jan. 7, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Rancho California Road-Calle Contento Roundabout Project. The amendment shows the construction and right-of-way costs are being funded by developer fees paid through the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) program.

Construction on the project is expected to wrap up in the county's fiscal year 2027-28, which ends June 30, 2028, according to county documents.

Other roundabouts are proposed for the Rancho California Road intersections of La Serena Way, Monte De Oro Road, and Glenoaks Road.

The first roundabout on Rancho California Road opened in 2012 at Anza Road.

"Using a system of roundabouts, rather than traffic signals, will maximize mobility while keeping Rancho California Road’s two lanes to maintain its rural character," according to a web portal for the Riverside County Transportation Department. "Not having to wait at traffic signals or stop signs translates into the added benefit of reduced vehicle emissions."

In addition to funding for the Rancho California Road-Calle Contento Roundabout Project, it was also announced Monday that the Butterfield Stage Road Project, which serves the Aguanga community, will be allocated up to $500,000 to lay the groundwork for vital roadway improvements. The project area covers the Butterfield Stage Road stretch between Pourroy and Auld roads.