Caltrans I-15 slab replacements slow traffic in Murrieta; More possible in other areas

Tony Ault Staff Writer

Area motorists traveling the Interstate 15 in Murrieta during the evenings last week were disrupted by major Caltrans work replacing a number of damaged concrete slabs, with more still possible on the freeways in the coming weeks. One lane access may slow traffic in the evening but will not close the entire freeway.

On the brighter side this week

$11 million was awarded to Riverside County Transportation Projects to address the continuing freeway traffic congestion, air pollution, and equity.

The RCTC will receive a $3 million grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to evaluate enhanced transit services on I-15, I-215, and along the San Jacinto Branch rail line in western Riverside County.

The planning grant is one of five Regional Early Action Planning grants (REAP 2.0) awarded to projects in Riverside County, totaling more than $11 million. The state funded program accelerates progress toward the state’s housing and climate goals.

“REAP 2.0 provides vital funding to strategic transportation planning efforts that address traffic congestion, pollution, and equity across Riverside County,” said Commission Chair and Lake Elsinore City Councilmember

Robert “Bob” Magee. “RCTC and our partners will continue to work on implementing microtransit, Coachella Valley Rail, and active transportation projects with the help of the grant. We are grateful to SCAG and the State for spotlighting Riverside County transportation needs.”

The grant aims to reduce vehicle traffic and air pollution by encouraging housing closer to where people live and work.

The projects that will receive funding range from extending RTA’s GoMicro service in the San Jacinto/Hemet areas and studying ways to reduce vehicles’ miles traveled and construct more active transportation projects in the desert communities.

Temecula

Machinery and other equipment is moving alongside I-15 as work on the $139 million Infrastructure project begins that will within the next two years relieve traffic congestion seen every morning and afternoon in Temecula on a stretch of the freeway.. The project, the largest highway project in Temecula, will include adding two to three lanes on the northbound side of the freeway from Winchester Road to the Interstate I-15/215 split with a new flyover bridge and other bridge expansions at Santa Gertrudis Creek and Warm Springs Creek.

Hemet

Still scheduled is Caltrans work starting July 24 on the $51.6 million corridor improvement project on State Route 74 (Florida Ave.) in Hemet. This project will repave and rehabilitate 49 lane miles, install Traffic Management

Systems (TMS ), upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks and driveways to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, enhance bike lane signage and striping, and upgrade 29 bus pads within the project parameters. Weather permitting.

Crews will be working in and near Hemet on SR-74 from Winchester Road (PM 34.3) to Fairview Avenue (PM 45.1) with a project length of 11.2 miles. Work will occur Mondays through Fridays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with occasional weekend work.

San Jacinto

Caltrans still continues work on the $4 million safety project to construct a median concrete barrier and rumble strips on State Route 79 (SR 79) near San Jacinto. Schedule is dependent on weather and materials availability. Nighttime work is Monday through Friday - 7 p.m. to 5 a.m The Remaining work may require inside and outside (alternating) lane closures, in both directions. One lane will always remain open.

Idyllwild

Caltrans is working on the $470,000 emergency project to rehabilitate and repave State Route 243 in Idyllwild within the boundaries of Mount Jacinto State Park. Weather permitting.

Crews are working on SR243 from just south of North Circle Drive to just north of Pine Crest Avenue. Caltrans notified residents crews will be working on Saturday, July 22 as well as on July 24 - July 28: MondayFriday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be paving the roadway and replacing the pavement delineator markers and striping.

Expect one way traffic control with flagging throughout the construction zone. Caltrans urges motorists to use caution and follow all instructions from flagging officers for safe passage. CHP will be on site to assist with traffic safety. Speeds will be reduced by 10 mph.

Tony Ault can be reached via email at tault@reedermedia. com

Riverside County increases homeless shelter bed capacity and surpasses

5-year Homeless Action Plan goal in the first year

RIVERSIDE COUNTY –

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved $7.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding to support emergency shelter projects in Riverside County Tuesday, July 11. These dollars will support the development of eight new housing projects located across all five supervisorial districts.

The county’s Homeless Action Plan, a five-year timeline that identifies areas to address homelessness, set a goal to increase the number of shelter beds across the region by 25%. With the development of these projects alone, the county will supersede this goal by creating 241 new emergency shelter beds, which is a 28% increase in emergency shelter beds in Riverside County.

“We need to create as many opportunities as possible to address the needs of families who are experiencing homelessness in our county,” Karen Spiegel, supervisor of the county’s Second District and member of the Homeless Continuum of Care Board of Governance, said.

“This investment is building our system’s capacity so individuals in crisis are not turned away because of space shortages.”

Emergency shelter beds provide a critical transition from street homelessness into housing. It is also a preventive tool to avoid street homelessness for individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time. During their stay, individuals are provided with essential items and services, including case management and assistance with resolving their homelessness.

Heidi Marshall, deputy director of the county’s Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions, emphasized the need for this investment.

“Housing is a critical tool we need for our unhoused residents here in Riverside County,” Marshall said. “Each of these projects will expand our existing infrastructure and support individuals who are struggling with a housing crisis.”

For more information about the projects or to learn more about the