Temecula's I-15 On-Ramp Closure Begins This Weekend: What To Know

TEMECULA, CA — A busy on-ramp will be closed in Temecula for more than a week beginning Sunday, May 11, officials said.

Those who use the northbound Interstate 15 on-ramp will need to use an alternate route until it reopens at 5 a.m. on Monday, May 19.

During the closure, officials advised drivers to travel west on Temecula Parkway, northbound on Old Town Front Street, east on Santiago Road, north on Ynez Road, and west on Rancho California Road to enter northbound I-15.

Closure dates are subject to change due to weather, site conditions, construction progress, and other factors.

While the on-ramp is closed, crews will work to demolish and reconstruct portions of the on-ramp to accommodate an additional lane for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project, according to the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

The pilot project, which aims to control when cars enter the freeway, is expected to be completed by January 2026, according to the Commission.

The new corridor will affect northbound I-15 from the San Diego/Riverside County Line in Temecula to the I-15/I-215 Interchange in Murrieta, officials said.

Along that 8-mile stretch, severe traffic congestion has been a consistent problem for commuters, as a high volume of vehicles enters the freeway, particularly during peak afternoon and evening hours.

By using sensors and "smart" technology to monitor traffic conditions along the non-tolled stretch, officials hope the pilot will improve traffic flow and reduce collisions by maintaining steady travel speeds without expanding the highway itself, according to RCTC.

The project will also use ramp meters that work as a coordinated system to allow more or fewer vehicles to enter I-15 from the Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road and Winchester Road on-ramps, RCTC said.

The project is expected to be piloted for two years, beginning in 2026. During that timeframe, Caltrans and RCTC will evaluate the results to asses its viability to be implemented statewide, officials said.

But upon completion, the benefits of the new freeway may not be immediately felt, officials said.

"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," according to RCTC.