I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension (ELPSE)

The I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension (ELPSE) is a collaborative infrastructure effort between the Riverside County Transportation Commission and Caltrans District 8 to expand capacity along Interstate 15 in Riverside County, California. The project involves the construction of two tolled express lanes in both the northbound and southbound directions for approximately 15.8 miles, spanning from State Route 74 in Lake Elsinore through Temescal Valley to El Cerrito Road in Corona. The scope of work includes the addition of southbound auxiliary lanes, the widening of up to 15 bridges, the installation of electronic toll collection equipment and signage, and the construction of noise barriers, retaining walls, and drainage systems. Additionally, the southbound I-15 Weirick Road off-ramp will be reconfigured as a dual-lane exit, with transition striping and signage extending beyond the primary project limits. The project is governed by the California Environmental Quality Act, with a completed Environmental Impact Report that addresses potential effects on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, biological resources, and paleontological sites. Administrative oversight is managed by Caltrans District 8 and the Riverside County Transportation Commission, with key coordination handled by the Senior Environmental Planner. While the project is identified under solicitation number 2019100381 and categorized under NAICS code 237310 for highway and street construction, specific contract values and performance periods are not detailed in the available environmental and filing documentation.