Rep. Calvert Announces $50 Million for Riverside County Transportation Projects
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a total of $50 million to two Riverside County transportation projects from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Rep. Calvert led efforts to advocate for the grant applications submitted by Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the City of Lake Elsinore, including sending letters of support and outreach to DOT officials.
The following projects were awarded funding:
$25 Million - State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project
Recipient: Riverside County Transportation Commission
Project summary: This project will implement an operational lane for approximately three miles in the eastbound direction on State Route 91 from the State Route 241 general purpose connector to the State Route 71 connector auxiliary lane. Other improvements include widening bridges, constructing retaining walls, constructing a two-lane exit ramp, replacing overhead signs, lowering Coal Canyon access road, and constructing debris and rockfall mitigation measures.
$25 Million - I-15/SR 74 (Central Avenue) Interchange Improvement Project
Recipient: City of Lake Elsinore
Project summary: The project will make improvements to the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore, California. Improvements include interchange reconfiguration, widening of a segment of SR-74 (Central Avenue), Dexter Avenue, upgraded on- and off-ramps, new traffic signals and freeway signage, ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and drainage improvements.
“The $50 million being awarded to Riverside County highway projects will make a significant impact by easing congestion and improving safety for drivers,” said Rep. Calvert. “By working together with Riverside County Transportation Commission and the city of Lake Elsinore, I’m proud to once again help return tax dollars back to our region to make a difference for the constituents I represent. Our region remains one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, which means we must continue to invest in infrastructure improvements to keep people moving and protect their quality of life. I will continue to work with our local communities to support the projects that are necessary to achieve those goals.”
“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange Counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC is grateful to Representative Ken Calvert for his help to secure $25 million in BUILD grant funding for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project, which will help improve traffic operations.”
"On behalf of the City of Lake Elsinore and my City Council colleagues, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman Ken Calvert and his team for his steadfast leadership and unwavering support in securing this transformative BUILD Grant,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee. “His commitment to improving infrastructure throughout Southwest Riverside County has helped make one of Lake Elsinore's highest-priority transportation projects a reality. This investment will significantly improve the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange through a comprehensive reconfiguration of the interchange and also widen parts of SR-74 (Central Avenue) and Dexter Avenue, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, strengthening regional connectivity, and providing more efficient access for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and the thousands of visitors who travel through our community each day. As one of the fastest-growing communities in California, Lake Elsinore depends on strategic infrastructure investments to support economic development, attract new businesses, create jobs, and, more importantly, improve our residents' quality of life. This project is not simply about improving an interchange—it is about investing in our community's future and ensuring our transportation network can support the opportunities ahead. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Calvert for his partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to bringing federal resources home to Lake Elsinore."
###