Temecula, Murrieta I-15 Traffic Relief: New Project Planned

TEMECULA, CA — The Riverside County Transportation Commission, in partnership with Caltrans and the city of Temecula, is gearing up to begin construction on the Interstate 15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project in Temecula and Murrieta.

With construction set to start this summer, the RCTC is inviting the public to learn more about the project via in-person and virtual open-house meetings.

The in-person open house is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 14 at the Temecula City Hall Conference Center, 41000 Main Street. A virtual meeting takes place 6-7 p.m. March 21 via a Zoom Webinar Link: rctc.org/SmartFreewayMeeting

For those who cannot attend either meeting, a virtual “Smart Room” is available at https://smartfreeway.org/.

The Smart Freeway Pilot Project aims to use intelligent transportation systems and sensors to continuously monitor real-time traffic conditions on an 8-mile, non-tolled section of northbound I-15 from the San Diego/Riverside County line in Temecula to the I-15/I-215 interchange in Murrieta. The project will use a metering system to allow more or fewer vehicles to enter the freeway at a given time.

The technology is designed to smooth traffic flow and reduce crashes. A two-year pilot testing period will begin in 2025.

"By using this new technology, we can help reduce traffic congestion and speed up travel time for Riverside County residents now without having to spend years in construction," said RCTC Commission Chair Lloyd White.

The section of the northbound 15 selected for the pilot was due to severe traffic congestion caused by the high volume of vehicles entering the freeway at Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road on-ramps, especially during peak afternoon and evening hours.