FAQs

How will this modification to the Mid County Parkway affect the project timeline?

The timeline will be extended by approximately 18 months to provide time to supplement or revise the engineering and environmental technical studies for the modified Mid County Parkway, coordinate and review technical documents with agencies, reassess impacts, and release a Recirculated Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS for public review and comment.

Will there be more public meetings and opportunity for public comment on the project?

Absolutely. Future public meetings and hearings will also be held once the revised draft environmental reports are completed next year, and we will be asking the public and stakeholders for their feedback on the project at that time.

How will the project be funded?

The initial phase of the project has been funded mainly by Western Riverside County’s Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF). The project design, right-of-way acquisition and construction costs are anticipated to be funded by a combination of local Measure “A” ½ cent sales tax, local TUMF fees, state and federal funds.

Does RCTC plan to pursue plans for the proposed western section of the Mid County Parkway between I-15 and I-215?

No, that portion of the original project is no longer under consideration. By refocusing the project, RCTC can move more quickly on the greatly-needed 16-miles of the Mid County Parkway planned between I-215 and SR-79 and avoid the time-consuming delays tied to the environmental constraints and community challenges that lie along the MCP’s proposed route between the I-15 and I-215. However, modifying the Mid County Parkway project does not eliminate the need for a future route that will one day connect I-15 to I-215, as identified in CETAP, and RCTC remains committed to that long-term vision. When regional mobility needs prompt consideration of a new or improved link between I-15 and I-215, a new environmental process will need to be initiated.

Will the proposed widening of Cajalco Road be sufficient to accommodate traffic through the I-15/I-215 in the future?

The County's Planned improvements to widen Cajalco Road to four to six lanes between
I-15 and I-215 should accommodate traffic demands for the next 20 years.

Does the Mid County Parkway still have value as a transportation corridor without the section between I-15 and I-215?

Absolutely. Focusing on the eastern stretch of the Mid County Parkway between SR-79 and I-215 will allow the project to advance where it is needed first, making best use of limited transportation dollars while providing the most immediate traffic and safety benefits. We estimate more than 60,000 vehicles per day, including drivers from San Jacinto and Perris, will use the Mid County Parkway between I-215 and SR-79.

Does refocusing the Mid County Parkway run counter to the needs and objectives outlined in CETAP?

Not at all. The refocused Mid County Parkway will improve east-west mobility by providing a new and vitally-needed transportation corridor between Perris and San Jacinto. This project does not eliminate the need for a future route that will one day connect I-15 to I-215, as identified in CETAP, and RCTC is maintaining that long-term vision.

What are you doing to avoid wildlife reserves?

The Mid County Parkway is designed to avoid reserves and protected lands as much as possible. The design also includes wildlife crossings that will either span or pass under the Mid County Parkway to allow wildlife to safely move from one side of the parkway to the other.

How and when will RCTC acquire the property needed to build the Mid County Parkway?

Right of way will be acquired close to the time of construction. RCTC must follow public laws and processes to purchase the property needed for the Mid County Parkway. Appraisals will be done near the time of needed acquisition and fair market value for the land will be offered. RCTC will work with the property owner to reach a fair price. If a price cannot be agreed upon, RCTC may adopt a Resolution of Necessity to invoke eminent domain, a process outlined in the U.S. Constitution and governed by state and federal law which allows government agencies to buy private property for a public purpose such as new roads, parks, schools, hospitals and police or fire stations. Through eminent domain, property owners are paid an amount deemed fair by the court, based on opinions of independent appraisers.

What is a parkway?

A divided highway with full or partial access control and with grade separations at local interchanges with major local arterials. The “facility” is designed to freeway/expressway standards as defined in Caltrans Highway Design Manual (HDM).

What will the Mid County Parkway look like?

The photo below shows an example of what the parkway may look like. The number of lanes varies from two in each direction to four in each direction, depending upon the area, and includes a wide open median.