Tag Archives: 91 Freeway

Two Drivers Dead in 91 Freeway Accident

By Anthony Saude

CORONA — An accident on the 91 freeway in Corona claimed the lives of two drivers. One of the drivers, a male, was running away from the accident when he was struck and killed by oncoming traffic.

Initially a two-car crash was reported just before 10 p.m. on the westbound Riverside Freeway. According to the California Highway Patrol the accident took place just east of Lincoln Avenue.

Witnesses told the CHP the driver of a black Dodge sedan appeared to be under the influence before he crashed into a white sedan. After his vehicle hit the white sedan the driver exited the vehicle and started running down the freeway in the westbound lanes to get away from the accident. After only a short distance the driver, who has not been identified, was hit by several cars and died at the scene.

A source close to the victim driving the black sedan stated that “to the best of his knowledge the driver didn’t drink at all”.

The transition from the northbound Corona (15) Freeway carpool lane to the westbound Riverside Freeway Fast Track was shut down for several hours due to the wreckage and investigation.

 

91 Project near Completion

By City of Eastvale

The 91 Project is now 91 percent complete! Work is continuing full speed ahead, with major milestones expected to be reached in early 2017.

The new westbound Maple Street off-ramp is nearing completion, and the Maple Street bridge is projected to return to two-way travel later this month.

The eastbound Serfas Club on-ramp, which has been closed since September 2015, is expected to reopen in February.

These dates are subject to change, based on weather and other factors.  Last month, crews completed the removal of the support structures of the Lincoln Avenue bridge. Work is continuing to widen the bridge over the 91.

Nighttime closures of eastbound 91 at Interstate 15 will continue through January for ongoing construction of the Express Connector from eastbound 91 to southbound 15 and from northbound 15 to westbound 91. Crews will be removing support structures on this flyover structure, which measures 3,700 feet long and 70 feet tall.

Also early this year, crews will coordinate restriping of travel lanes on the 91 and on city streets. Additional work will continue along Frontage Road, Wardlow Road and Pomona Road. Please watch for intermittent closures and detour signs.

 

Closures On 91 On-Ramp

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Transportation Commission The map shown above is the detour route for eastbound travelers.

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Transportation Commission
The map shown above is the detour route for eastbound travelers.

Staff Reports

Inland Empire-The Riverside County Transportation Commission has announced the reconfiguration of a 91 on-ramp and closure of nearby streets in Corona, beginning on May 16.

“As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) 91 Project, the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp will be reconfigured to run parallel to westbound Pomona Road and enter the 91 just before the Smith Street overpass,” according to a news release. This reconfiguration will start Monday, May 16 at 4 a.m. through the end of 2016. Also, Pomona Road Eastbound will be closed from Industrial Way to just west of the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp. Pomona Road Westbound will remain open.

“As a detour for eastbound travel, motorists can head north on Smith Avenue and then east on Railroad Street to Lincoln Avenue,” according to Riverside County Transportation Commission.

“The reconfiguration of the on-ramp will allow crews to widen the roadway and the new westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp that will connect directly from the Lincoln Avenue bridge,” added the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

In preparation for this reconfiguration, Pomona Road will be closed in both directions to through travel from just west of the Lincoln Avenue on-ramp to Industrial Way, starting Saturday, May 14 at 9 p.m. This new configuration will open Monday, May 16 at 4 a.m. Flaggers will be on site to allow access to local businesses on Saturday night to Monday morning.

Please note that closures may change depending on weather, field conditions or other operational factors.

For questions, please call the helpline or visit www.sr91project.info.

91 Toll Lane Expansion

Courtesy of the Riverside County Transportation Commission

 

CORONA-The 91 Project will add two tolled express lanes in both directions to the 91 in Corona, replacing the existing carpool lanes. In addition, a single tolled express lane will be added to I-15 in both directions starting and ending south of Magnolia Avenue. Direct express lane connectors will be built between eastbound 91 and southbound I-15 and between northbound I-15 and westbound 91.

There will be a seamless transition between the 91 Express Lanes in Orange County and the new 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County. Existing transponder owners do not need to establish a new account with RCTC or change their existing account to use the new lanes in Riverside County. Both sections of the 91 Express Lanes will operate using the account structure, account fee schedule, and customer service. Access to the express lanes for carpoolers, disabled veterans, clean vehicles, etc. will be the same in both counties. The same safe and reliable system will be provided in Riverside County and managed and maintained by the same operator. Like the Orange County system, Riverside County toll collection will be electronic, with no toll booths needed. Separate tolls will be charged for each county segment, offering drivers a choice of using the Riverside County toll lanes, the Orange County toll lanes, or both.

Although express lanes will replace existing carpool lanes, vehicles with three or more occupants and a transponder will be able to use the express lanes at free or reduced rates – the same Three Ride Free policy that is in place now in Orange County. This policy encourages carpooling by allowing a group of three or more commuters per vehicle to travel the 91 Express Lanes for free during most hours, except when traveling east, Monday through Friday, between 4 pm and 6 pm. During those hours, carpools of three or more with a transponder still can save money by receiving a 50 percent discount on the posted toll. Motorcycle riders with transponders benefit from the same pricing structure, which is consistent with Orange County 91 Express Lanes policies.

Toll road entrances and exits will be available at several locations:

  • On the 91, west of the Green River Road Interchange for drivers heading in either direction
  • On the 91, at I-15 for drivers heading west
  • On I-15, north of the Ontario Avenue Interchange, with a direct connector from northbound 15 to westbound 91

Drivers will not be able to enter or exit the tolled express lanes west of the I-15 Interchange and Green River Road. Access within this segment was analyzed through a separate engineering study and not selected as a feature of this project.

Reminder! Steer Clear of the 91!

Staff Reports

 

A reminder to all motorists; a full closure of eastbound and westbound 91 between the 71 and I-15 will occur from Friday, February 19, 2016 at 9 pm to Monday, February 22, 2016 at 4 am.

The full weekend closure of the 91 will allow crews to perform three major construction activities: 1) Demolish the west side of the Maple Street Bridge over the 91; 2) Install support beams for the new westbound Maple Street flyover ramp bridge; and 3) Pave the new eastbound 91 alignment near I-15.

“By fully closing the roadway, we will be able to consolidate these significant construction efforts into one weekend, rather than multiple weekends or extending this over a month of weeknights,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer. “Consolidating the work activities within one weekend will reduce the number of closure hours by more than 50 percent. The project’s design-build method allows for flexibility in planning work, such as this weekend closure,” she said. Another benefit, Mayer noted, is that the full closure will help ensure the safety of the 91 Project crews and the traveling public by eliminating cars and construction equipment on the road at the same time.

Because of the impact that a full closure will have on this heavily traveled roadway, motorists are urged to “steer clear” of the area during this closure. To minimize major travel delays and impacts during the closure, RCTC strongly recommends that motorists plan ahead, avoid travel in the area or stay home. Motorists traveling on the 91, the 71 or I-15 near the project area during the closure period can expect travel delays of three to four hours. If travel cannot be avoided, motorists can use the 57, 60 and I-10 as alternate routes.

The Green River Road interchange will remain open to motorists, and during the weekend closure, emergency vehicles will be able to travel on the 91, as needed, to respond to police, fire and medical situations.  “Corona residents can rest assured that police, fire, CHP and ambulance personnel will be fully briefed about the weekend closure and are ready to respond,” Mayer said.

In case of rainstorms or inclement weather, the closure will be postponed to the next weekend, weather permitting.  For more information, please call the helpline at 877-770-9191, or visit http://www.sr91project.info.

 

Steer Clear of the 91!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Staff Reports

A full closure of eastbound and westbound 91 between the 71 and I-15 will occur from Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 at 9 pm to Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at 4 am.  This 12-mile stretch of freeway sees over 280,000 cars per day, and that number is expected to jump to 425,000 by the year 2030, according to Joel Zlotnik of the Orange County Transportation Authority.

The 91 freeway is a valuable transportation corridor for thousands of motorists, and also serves hundreds of thousands of commercial and freight trucks as they travel inland from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, according to Anaheim City Councilman Harry Sidhu.

The full weekend closure of the 91 will allow crews to perform three major construction activities: 1) Demolish the west side of the Maple Street Bridge over the 91; 2) Install support beams for the new westbound Maple Street flyover ramp bridge; and 3) Pave the new eastbound 91 alignment near I-15.

“By fully closing the roadway, we will be able to consolidate these significant construction efforts into one weekend, rather than multiple weekends or extending this over a month of weeknights,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer. “Consolidating the work activities within one weekend will reduce the number of closure hours by more than 50 percent. The project’s design-build method allows for flexibility in planning work, such as this weekend closure,” she said. Another benefit, Mayer noted, is that the full closure will help ensure the safety of the 91 Project crews and the traveling public by eliminating cars and construction equipment on the road at the same time.

More work will be occurring in the Maple Street area during the coming months, including reconstructing the Maple Street bridge and building the flyover connector ramp bridge. Crews will require nightly full closures of eastbound 91 for about a week after the weekend closure. During these closures, motorists will be directed to the eastbound 91 Maple Street off-ramp, and then east on Frontage Road to re-enter the 91 at the Maple/Paseo Grande on-ramp. Once the flyover ramp bridge is completed this summer, another full closure of the 91 may be conducted to remove the temporary support beams that will be placed the weekend of February 19-22.

Because of the impact that a full closure will have on this heavily traveled roadway, motorists are urged to “steer clear” of the area during this closure. To minimize major travel delays and impacts during the closure, RCTC strongly recommends that motorists plan ahead, avoid travel in the area or stay home. Motorists traveling on the 91, the 71 or I-15 near the project area during the closure period can expect travel delays of three to four hours. If travel cannot be avoided, motorists can use the 57, 60 and I-10 as alternate routes.

The Green River Road interchange will remain open to motorists, and during the weekend closure, emergency vehicles will be able to travel on the 91, as needed, to respond to police, fire and medical situations.  “Corona residents can rest assured that police, fire, CHP and ambulance personnel will be fully briefed about the weekend closure and are ready to respond,” Mayer said.

In case of rainstorms or inclement weather, the closure will be postponed to the next weekend, weather permitting.  For more information, please call the helpline at 877-770-9191, or visit http://www.sr91project@rctc.org.

91 Project in Corona Prepares for El Niño Weather Conditions

By Eliza Echevarria Perez

CORONA – Construction crews working on the 91 Project in Corona are geared up for the arrival of El Niño storms.

During the first full week of El Niño conditions, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) is increasing its Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) vehicles on the 91 and on Interstate 15 to help stranded motorists.

The specially marked FSP tow trucks roam local freeways, including the 91 Project construction limits in Corona, to assist stalled motorists at no charge by jump-starting batteries, providing fuel and fluids, changing flat tires and performing other minor repairs.

The trucks also can tow vehicles from the 91 and I-15 to CHP-approved locations.

The extra tow trucks will continue as needed later this week and during the 2016 El Niño season, through special funding provided by RCTC for the 91 Project.

Motorists who experience a vehicular breakdown should stay in their vehicle, turn on their hazard lights and wait for the FSP or the California Highway Patrol to summon help.

All tow trucks are white and display the FSP logo. Drivers wear blue uniforms and safety vests with the same logo, have an ID badge on their shirts and are certified by the CHP.

The RCTC has also undertaken a series of activities to help ensure the safety of motorists and crews within the project area:

 

  • The team conducted a detailed review of the construction limits and identified potentially sensitive areas, including those prone to flooding and erosion. Special attention is being paid to these sensitive areas.
  • Erosion control measures, such as the placement of fiber rolls, have been put into place, and crews are routinely checking drainage systems to make sure they are fully functional. Detention basins also have been created to hold excess water.
  • The project team is monitoring weather forecasts and discussing during weekly and daily planning meetings.
  • Construction crews have taken part in training sessions to increase awareness and responsiveness during the rainy season.
  • Motorists are asked to report any problems related to drainage, potholes or flooding within the project limits on the 91 or on Interstate 15 by calling the helpline, 877-770-9191, sending an email to sr91project@rctc.org or using the “Contact Us/Feedback” section of the website, sr91project.info.
  • Motorists should allow extra travel time during rainstorms. Drivers also are reminded that although the speed limit is 55 MPH within the construction area, it is important to adjust travel speeds to match rainy weather conditions, visibility and traffic. In addition, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones.

 

91 Grand Boulevard Ramps to Close Permanently

Courtesy of RCTC 91 Project 91 Freeway Grand Avenue Closure Map

Courtesy of RCTC 91 Project
91 Freeway Grand Avenue Closure Map

Staff Reports

CORONA-As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project, the eastbound 91 Grand Boulevard off-ramp and westbound 91 Grand Boulevard on-ramp will close permanently in December. To prepare for these ramp closures, other improvements are scheduled for this area. The following schedule is anticipated, but dates are subject to change (Please see map graphic below):

  • Monday, December 7, 2015: Second Street extension between Lincoln Avenue and W Grand Boulevard to open
  • Monday, December 14, 2015: Restore Lincoln Avenue turn lanes between D Street and the 91
  • Monday, December 14, 2015: Westbound 91 Grand Boulevard on-ramp closes permanently

In preparation for the closure of the westbound 91 Grand Avenue on-ramp, capacity improvements were made to the westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp by adding a third lane.

Also, the extension of Second Street between Lincoln Avenue and W Grand Boulevard will provide motorists an additional east/west route.

Information contained in this Notice is subject to change based on weather, field conditions or other operational factors.

Nighttime Full Closures – Southbound I-15 at 91

Nighttime Full Closures – Southbound I-15 at 91; Nights of Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17

Courtesy of RCTC

The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project in Corona will require nighttime full closures of southbound Interstate 15 at the 91, starting Nov. 12.

The roadway will close at 10 pm each night and reopen by 5 am the following morning on Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17. The connecting ramps to the 91 will remain open during the closures.

The closures will allow crews to place temporary support materials for the construction of a bridge that, when completed, will serve as the new express lane connector between the 15 and the 91.

As a detour, motorists may travel east on the 91, use the McKinley Street off-ramp, and then enter the westbound 91 to reconnect to southbound I-15.

Motorists are reminded to allow extra travel time, follow the designated detour and watch for construction workers and signs. Motorists also are cautioned to use reduced speeds when approaching the detour route; speed limits on the 15 and the 91 are 55 MPH, and fines are doubled in construction zones.

The 91 Project is adding regular lanes, tolled express lanes, auxiliary lanes and direct express connectors from the northbound 15 to the westbound 91 and from the eastbound 91 to the southbound 15. Improvements to interchanges, ramps, lanes and surface streets also will be made along the 91 between the Riverside County/Orange County Line in Corona and Pierce Street in Riverside. The new lanes are expected to open in 2017.

For more information, visit sr91project.info or call the helpline at 877-770-9191.

Navigating The ‘Main Street Squeeze’

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: RCTC.org

Photo Courtesy: RCTC.org

Corona – If you are one of the local commuters who travel into the perfect storm of the 15 and 91 Freeways merging with the influx of vehicles entering from Main Street on your way to work, there might be some relief in your near future.

The Corona Police Department is offering five tips to help you navigate the traffic, and perhaps make for a more enjoyable drive.

  1. Allow extra travel time. Do yourself a favor and leave for work or school a little earlier. That will help you relax and be more patient as your drive through this area.
    2. Make good driving decisions. When the road narrows, move over and get behind the car in front of you. Please don’t try to go around that car and then get stuck at the K-rail (cement barrier) up ahead. There are “No U-Turn” signs at Third St. and on Grand Blvd, so don’t try and make a U-turn. Please follow all rules of the road and be patient during this time.
    3. Pay attention. Travel conditions will be changing during the next two years. K-rails will be shifting. There may be some additional lane closures at night. Follow the signs, put down your cell phones, and please be respectful with other motorists and contractors.
    4. Know alternate routes. The eastbound on-ramp of Main Street will be closed, so use Lincoln Ave., Magnolia Ave., McKinley St. or Hidden Valley Pkwy. instead.
    5. Watch for workers and equipment. Although crews will be primarily working behind K-rails, there are exceptions. Please keep an eye out for crew members and their vehicles. Safety is paramount and we want everyone to make it home safely.

The Corona Police Department would like to reiterate that this is a temporary inconvenience that will ultimately benefit all commuters in the long run traveling through this area. Please remember that we’re all in this together.