Calvert helps secure $5M in federal funds for California freeway pilot project

U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) on Monday highlighted the inclusion of $5 million for his home state’s Interstate-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project included in the government’s fiscal year 2022 omnibus spending package.

“The I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project is another important step towards relieving traffic congestion in the Temecula Valley,” said Rep. Calvert. 

Specifically, the project’s funds are included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, H.R. 2471, which President Joe Biden signed into law on March 15. The new law makes consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, and provides emergency assistance for the situation in Ukraine, among other purposes, according to the text of the bill.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) in California requested the funding for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project to install smart metering technology and signage at northbound I-15 on-ramps to monitor and regulate traffic flow onto the highway, according to information provided by Rep. Calvert’s office.

“When I worked with the city of Temecula in 2019 to secure a $50 million federal grant to improve I-15 and the French Valley Parkway interchange, we agreed that we must continue to fund additional transportation projects in the region,” Rep. Calvert said. “Thanks to the leadership at RCTC and everyone who has worked on the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project, we are upholding our commitment to addressing the traffic challenges in this region.”

The goal of the pilot program is to alleviate congestion by managing traffic flow and will be implemented between the San Diego County, Calif., line and the I-15/I-215 split, the information says.

“RCTC appreciates Representative Calvert for delivering $5 million in Community Project Funding for RCTC’s Smart Freeway Pilot Project,” said Lake Elsinore Council Member Bob Magee, vice chair of the RCTC. “With support from our federal partners, RCTC will continue to improve mobility throughout all of Riverside County.”