City of Corona Announces $14 Million Traffic Relief Project on I-15 Corridor

On Thursday, Dec. 7th, 2023, Assemblyman Bill Essayli announced that help is on the way for those who use Interstate 15 through the City of Corona.

Assemblyman Bill Essayli: “After months of positive negotiations between my office and Caltrans both at the regional and state levels, I am pleased to share that our hard work has paid off. Today the California Transportation Commission approved a $14 million safety project to modify southbound I-15 to include a toll-free deceleration lane north of the Ontario Avenue exit in the City of Corona. This project will help reduce traffic congestion and related collisions in the area--at no additional toll or cost to commuters.”

Corona Councilmember Wes Speake, who has been working with the Assemblyman on transportation issues, including this project impacting the I-15, commented “The safety and operational improvement approved by the California Transportation Commission today; coupled with the Caltrans recently announced project to eliminate the lane drop under the Cajalco Bridge are going to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents in this critical corridor. This will make quality of life better for both the citizens of Corona and every hardworking commuter trying to get home to their family. And every car we can keep on the freeway is a car we keep off the streets of Corona.”

On March 14, 2023, Assemblyman Essayli sent a letter to Caltrans Director Tony Tavares seeking immediate action for traffic relief on I-15. This led to a series of discussions with Caltrans providing their assessment that this section of southbound I-15 needed safety improvements to reduce traffic collisions. Caltrans designed the deceleration lane to help resolve the safety concerns.

“Improving transportation safety, roadway operations, and finding solutions that provide traffic relief is one of the reasons I ran for office. My community is plagued with safety issues caused by traffic, and this project will help reduce the dangers and frustrations endured by my constituents traveling through Corona on I-15,” added Assemblyman Essayli.

According to Caltrans, contractor crews will work in the City of Corona to enhance safety measures north of Ontario Avenue to Old Temescal Road on southbound I-15 once the contract is awarded.

For further information, please visit Assemblyman Essayli website.