Traffic Woes Under Review In Riverside County, Public Input Sought

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — If traffic congestion, potholes and dangerous road conditions are transportation issues you want fixed in Riverside County, now is a good time to voice your concerns.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission announced Tuesday that a draft of its 2024 Traffic Relief Plan is ready for public review.

All Riverside County residents are encouraged to read, assess and provide input on the document. The plan identifies investment areas for transportation improvements countywide.

The Traffic Relief Plan is designed to be "a comprehensive countywide strategic blueprint to reduce traffic congestion by constructing highway improvements, repairing potholes on local roads and streets, increasing the frequency of public transportation, and fortifying our county’s transportation infrastructure against natural disasters," according to the RCTC.

Public input ensures the plan meets the needs of residents countywide, according to the agency. The document was last updated in 2020.

“Upgrades and improvements to our highways, local roads, and public transportation are crucial to keeping pace with growth in what remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation,” RCTC Chair and City of Beaumont councilmember Lloyd White said in a released statement.

According to the Southern California Association of Governments, Riverside County is expected to grow to almost 3 million residents by 2050, up from about 2.5 million today.

“There’s no question that we need to make calculated investments in our county transportation infrastructure, not only to maintain and improve mobility, but also to keep growth from overwhelming our ability to live, work, learn, explore, go places, and enjoy life,” White said.

The RCTC is expected to vote on the 2024 Traffic Relief Plan this spring and will consider project funding options in early summer.

“We need public input to make the best decisions we can on prioritizing transportation projects and ensuring the strongest possible Traffic Relief Plan,” White said.

Residents are asked to review the plan by March 31. View it at www.trafficreliefplan.org.