Riverside County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverside County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
I-10/Highland Springs Interchange Extension
A second TUMF amendment extends the I-10/Highland Springs interchange project timeline to the end of 2036, with funding capped at $5.5 million.
Transit needs public hearing results
Riders told the county what they need: more buses, more frequency, new regional connections, and better stops with shade and seating. The comments now shape what transit operators plan for the future.
I-10/Monroe Street interchange and I-215/Ethanac Road projects
The Board advanced two major interchange projects: authorizing bids for the $126 million I-10/Monroe Street interchange in Indio, and approving agreements with Perris, Caltrans, and Mark Thomas & Company for the I-215/Ethanac Road interchange environmental phase.
TUMF Reimbursement for Nuevo Road Widening
The committee authorized up to $500,000 in TUMF reimbursement to the County of Riverside for planning the Nuevo Road widening — money that helps get a key east-west corridor project moving.
AB 2307 traffic signal synchronization legislation
Murrieta's representative announced that local electeds and WRCOG will testify in Sacramento on April 13 for AB 2307, aimed at synchronizing efforts to ease Southwest Riverside County traffic congestion.
Green River Road cut-through traffic mitigation
Corona is building traffic improvements on Green River Road/Foothill Parkway to handle cut-through traffic expected from the 91 project. RCTC's fair share is about $393,500, with TCA paying about $119,000.
Mead Valley Community Planning Grant
A $492,595 state grant will fund a community-driven transportation plan for Mead Valley. Residents asked the county to partner with local environmental justice groups and build complete streets.
Mead Valley Florence Street paving
$365,000 from the Mead Valley Community Revitalization Fund will pave Florence Street from Cajalco Road to Dawes Street.
Sun Lakes Boulevard Extension
Commissioner Flynn of Banning flagged that the long-awaited Sun Lakes Boulevard extension — 30 years in the making — wasn't listed by name in the budget presentation, though staff confirmed it's funded under the Measure A regional arterials program. Groundbreaking is May 26 at 10 a.m.
Chuckwalla Valley Road Bridge Replacements
The county took the first eminent-domain step to replace the aging Airport Boulevard bridge over the Whitewater River near Coachella, improving safety, flood clearance, and future CV Link trail connections.
Mead Valley Sidewalk and Drainage Problems
A resident described frequent crashes on two-lane Old Elsinore Road and asked for speed calming, shaded bus stops and inclusion in the updated Mead Valley community plan.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Funding
An extra $491,000 in SB 821 funds will fully fund pedestrian improvements near Pedley Elementary School in Jurupa Valley and partially fund ADA ramp upgrades in Eastvale, improving safe routes to school and accessibility.
SoCal 511 traveler information service extension
Riverside County will stay in the five-county 511 traffic and transit info partnership through June 2031, paying an extra $940,731. Commissioners flagged that roadside assistance isn't offered here yet — a study is underway to consider adding it.
Modernizing commuter programs (TDM)
RCTC is spending $385,895 on a strategic plan and up to $7 million on an on-call consultant bench to reduce solo driving through carpooling, vanpools, transit, and telework — backed by $4 million in MSRC air-quality funding. The goal is less congestion and more commute options countywide.
SR 71/91 Interchange Completion
The Corona interchange project is nearly done — the new connector bridge opened in June 2025 — but unexpected boulders and buried concrete drove up costs, requiring a $2.3 million contingency increase to close out. It stayed within the overall budget.
CEQA relief legislation for Coachella Valley Rail
RCTC is sponsoring a bill by Assemblymember Gonzalez (with Assemblymember Jackson co-authoring) to streamline or exempt the Coachella Valley Rail project from CEQA, modeled on Senator Wiener's SB 71. Commissioners were asked to build public support ahead of the February 20 bill introduction deadline.
Bus stop improvements at 16 locations
RTA is spending $311,639 to add shelters, benches, trash receptacles and ADA upgrades at bus stops across the region. Six stops are being fixed specifically because passengers flagged accessibility problems.
SR 71/SR 91 Interchange Improvement Completion
The Corona interchange project is nearly done — the new direct connector bridge opened in June 2025 — but surprise underground conditions required $2.3 million more in contingency. The project stays within its original budget.
Smart Freeway Pilot Project on I-15 in Temecula
Data collection has begun on the I-15 Smart Freeway through Temecula — the first such technology deployment in California. A 90-day baseline period starts before the system goes live.
TUMF road project reimbursements for Norco and Perris
Cities building major road projects get reimbursed from the regional transportation fee program — up to $4 million for Hamner Avenue in Norco and nearly $5 million for Perris Boulevard.