Corona, California – Officials have commenced the closure of the SR-91 Freeway this week to initiate the 71/91 Interchange Project, aiming to enhance transportation, safety, and environmental factors. Commuters are advised to consider alternative routes during the construction period, which will continue until 2025.
The 71/91 Interchange Project, with a budget of $137 million, began in February and seeks to provide a non-tolled connector aimed at improving safety, expanding access to various modes of travel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing traffic flow, and supporting native wildlife movement.
Affected Routes in ASR-91 Closure
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) recommends that motorists avoid the eastbound 91 during overnight hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, starting next week. Instead, they suggest using the 60 Freeway as an alternate route to the north.
Otherwise, traffic will be reduced to a single lane, diverted off the freeway at Green River Road, and directed through the city to downtown before rejoining the eastbound 91.
Westbound 91 Freeway: From December 11 to December 13, the entire westbound portion of the 91 Freeway will be closed between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Additionally, the Green River Road offramp will close at 9 p.m. from December 11 to December 14. Motorists can use the 71 Freeway and the 60 to 57 Freeways as alternative routes. Access to Green River Road is available via the Auto Center Drive and Serfas Club Drive exit to Palisades Drive.
Southbound 71 Freeway: The southbound 71 Freeway to westbound 91 Freeway connector will be closed from December 11 to December 14, starting at 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. An alternative route is suggested: take the eastbound 91 to the Serfas Club Drive and Auto Center Drive offramp.
Eastbound 91 Express Lanes: These lanes will be closed from the County Line to the I-15 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on certain dates. On December 15 and December 16, they will be closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. While no official detour is provided, other lanes will remain open.
Westbound 91 Freeway: Partial closures are scheduled for Thursday between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. and Friday between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Express lanes from I-15 to the County Line will also close during these hours on Thursday. Similar closures are planned for December 15 and December 16, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Detours are not provided due to the availability of open lanes.
71/91 Interchange Project to Include Wildlife Crossing
The 71/91 Interchange Project not only aims to expand the connector, but also involves adding an eastbound auxiliary lane to the 91 and realigning the Green River Road on-ramp. The expressway will also undergo realignment to accommodate the new connector. Additionally, a wildlife crossing will be a prominent feature of the reconfigured interchange.
Funding for this project includes $58.1 million from the California Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017, generated through increased gasoline taxes for infrastructure projects. The county’s Measure A revenue, funded by a half-cent sales tax, is also contributing, along with federal and other sources to cover the project’s expenses.
Commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly and stay updated on closures and alternative routes during the construction period, which is expected to conclude in 2025.
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