Crafton Hills College, PassEDA host regional transportation event focused on change to travel in Riverside County

Change is on the horizon for those traveling to and from Riverside County, according to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), a group that provides transportation solutions that support the growing region and its economy.

Anne Mayer, executive director of the RCTC, and her team presented an overview of projects and services expected to improve traffic through the area during a regional transportation event hosted by the Pass Economic Development Alliance (PassEDA), with the support of Crafton Hills College, on October 27.

Mayer began the discussion by pointing out that this area has grown substantially in recent years.

“My husband and I moved to Yucaipa 34 years ago next month, and in 34 years, we have seen an awful lot of change,” Mayer said. “I know some of you have been out here longer than that and have seen an even greater difference.”

“When you drive along the I-10 corridor now, I can’t help but be almost stunned at times by the amount of development that has been happening,” she continued. “But I think transportation is really a key issue that is going to affect the future of the [San Gorgonio] Pass.”

RCTC’s goal is to make good on Measure A’s promises to the taxpayers of Riverside County after it was voted into law by a two-thirds majority in 1998 for a 20-year term. Voters extended the measure through 2023 last year.

During the late October gathering, the RCTC presented an overview of work completed in 2022, calling it a year of progress, which included:

·     the completion of five major highway projects,

·     ongoing work on $879 million in projects,

·     growth in the local economy, thanks to the addition of more than 10,000 construction jobs, and

·     the allocation of $77.5 million for local street and road improvements using Measure A funding.

RCTC presented attendees with updates on the construction of the I-10 Highland Springs Interchange and the I-10 feasibility study. The RCTC also provided guests with a sneak preview of the 2024 Traffic Relief Plan, which was developed using extensive research and public engagement in 2019, 2020 and 2023. 

More plan input is needed, explained Aaron Hake, RCTC’s deputy executive director. The plan for Western Riverside County has been structured to fund a balance of highways, public transportation, local streets and roads and regional connections, he said. The plan calls for $20 million in investment in the part of Riverside County that is close to CHC, about $5 million in the Coachella Valley and about $100 million in Palo Verde Valley and Blythe.

Full plan details will soon be available at trafficreliefplan.org.

PassEDA hosts transportation-related events year-round with the goal of building a capacity for economic development in the San Gorgonio Pass along the I-10 corridor by supporting “a common economic vision, promoting partnerships and attracting and sustaining businesses that contribute to a high quality of life for those that live and work” in the area. Read more on its website here: passeda.org.