Description

What is the Central I‑215 Widening Project?

This project proposes to widen a 12.5-mile section of I‑215 from Scott Road north of Murrieta to Nuevo Road in Perris. One lane and a shoulder will be added in each direction in the unused portion of the center median, creating three general purpose freeway lanes in each direction. RCTC can use the existing freeway median for the project. In some portions of the project the median is 46 feet and can accommodate the planned widening. In other portions, the median is only 22 feet wide and is not adequate to accommodate the planned widening. In the areas where the median is only 22 feet wide, outside widening will be required. Using the median to the greatest extent possible will reduce the impacts to homes and businesses located adjacent to the freeway.

Improvements to a number of structures also are planned as part of this project, including:

Widening of the Salt Creek Bridge
Widening of the Romoland Flood Control Channel
Widening of the Ethanac Road Railroad Overhead Bridge
Widening of the San Jacinto Bridge
Replacement of the Perris Boulevard Overcrossing
Replacement of the D Street On-ramp/Overcrossing

In addition, plans call for the two existing freeway lanes in each direction to be resurfaced, creating a smoother ride for motorists.

Noise studies will be performed to analyze the impacts of the project to area residents. Where appropriate, walls will be considered to mitigate noise resulting from the project improvements. If walls are proposed, property owners adjacent to the walls will be given an opportunity to vote on whether the walls are built.

The preliminary engineering and environmental document phase of this project involves a series of studies and public meetings that will help determine how the project goals can be met while minimizing the impacts on the surrounding area. The goal is to obtain environmental approvals to allow this project to move forward to construction. This phase is expected to last until late 2010. Once approvals are received, final engineering design and right of way acquisition, where needed, can begin. Construction may begin in late 2012 and last about three years.

This estimated $173 million project will be funded in part by Measure A, Riverside County’s ½ cent sales tax for transportation investments across the county. Other state and federal sources also could be used to complete the funding for the project.