California Construction Report staff writer
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) has approved more than $156 million in construction contracts for two major transportation projects aimed at improving safety and mobility across the region.
The projects include the Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway and Phase II of the State Route 60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange, both considered regionally significant improvements.
“Safe and reliable transportation is the foundation of our daily lives – connecting us to school, work, and the people who matter to us the most,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, RCTC chair and vice-chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “Together, these two projects will create a safer and more connected Riverside County for us all.”
The Mid County Parkway (MCP) is a 16-mile corridor linking State Route 79 in San Jacinto and Hemet with Interstate 215 in Perris. The Ramona Expressway segment is one of Riverside County’s highest-priority roadway safety projects, following a history of serious collisions. Between 2017 and 2022, the corridor experienced crashes resulting in 14 fatalities and 17 severe injuries.
The project covers an 8.6-mile stretch from one mile east of Rider Street to Warren Road in the City of San Jacinto. Planned improvements include widening the roadway to two lanes in each direction, constructing a raised median, adding a wildlife crossing, and building a new bridge over the San Jacinto River.
The project is funded through a combination of Measure A sales tax revenue, local partnership contributions, County of Riverside funds, and state transportation dollars. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion anticipated in 2029.
Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc. was awarded the construction contract, valued at $107.38 million.
“Being awarded the Mission Boulevard Bridge Replacement project is another opportunity for Skanska to partner with the County of Riverside Transportation Department to deliver safe, resilient infrastructure that supports regional mobility and sustainability,” said James Bailey, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations. “The completion of the bridge will deliver a structure that meets modern standards while minimizing environmental impact. We are also committed to maintaining traffic throughout construction.”
Once completed, the new 6-span cast-in-place bridge will be 88 feet wide and accommodate two 12-foot lanes, two 14-foot lanes, two 8-foot shoulders, and a 4-foot median, along with a 12-foot multipurpose trail separated from traffic for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. Environmental mitigation includes restoring over 7.46 acres of streambed and habitat onsite and 2.05 acres offsite to offset temporary impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
The project will commence in April 2026 and is expected to reach completion in September 2029.
RCTC also approved a construction contract for Phase II of the State Route 60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange project, which is being delivered in partnership with the City of Beaumont and Caltrans.
Located between Jack Rabbit Trail and the SR-60/Interstate 10 junction, Phase II includes construction of a new interchange at State Route 60, realignment of Western Knolls Avenue, and widening Potrero Boulevard to six lanes. The improvements are intended to enhance access to SR-60 and support residential and economic growth in Beaumont and the broader Riverside County area.
Funding for the project includes City of Beaumont Capital Improvement Plan funds, Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee revenues, and state funding through the SB 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, which focuses on freight mobility and congestion relief.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and conclude in 2028. Ames Construction was awarded the $48.93 million construction contract.
