91 Project Update
April 2015
Thank you for your interest in the Riverside County Transportation Commission's 91 Project. This monthly e-bulletin offers news and updates about this project, which is under construction in Corona and Riverside. For the latest information, please stay connected through the links below and the project helpline.

91 Project Pays Tribute to Corona's Citrus Heritage

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In the early 20th century, more than one-quarter of Corona's population was associated with the citrus industry. The area was well suited for growing lemons and other citrus trees, and packing houses flourished. According to the Corona Historic Preservation Society, at the peak of production in 1935, more than 2,400 acres of lemon groves were harvested, filling 1,138 railroad cars for market delivery. Corona became known as the "Lemon Capital of the World."

The 91 Project will highlight Corona's citrus heritage on structures throughout the project limits. Thematic concepts for landscaping and aesthetics were approved in December 2013 by the Corona City Council, following public input. These themes were incorporated in a Project Aesthetics and Landscaping Master Plan. This plan includes an art piece with a lemon and citrus flower that will be featured on walls and bridges. At the city "gateways" near the Green River Road overcrossing on the west and the Promenade Avenue overcrossing on the east, decorative fencing will be placed with lighted columns, the lemon art piece and the city's name spelled out in illuminated letters.

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Landscaping will feature native and adapted species that require minimum water use. Plant selections include bougainvillea, lantana, California sycamore, coyote bush and others. Skyline trees also will be planted in selected areas. Recycled water will be used.  

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Project structures will help deter graffiti through heavily textured wall surfaces and screening of walls with trees and vines. 

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Check out the latest installment of the "91 Seconds on the 91" video link and the website for more information on the designs chosen and concept photos. A copy of the master plan also is posted to the website. 

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Serfas Club Drive On-Ramp Lane Reduction

The westbound 91 Serfas Club Drive on-ramp has been reduced to two general purpose lanes starting March 31.  The removal of the carpool lane from this on-ramp is necessary for crews to safely work on the shoulder to prepare for roadway widening and ramp improvements.

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The safety of construction crews, motorists and pedestrians is the top priority for the 91 Project. Please follow these tips when traveling through this area:

  • Allow extra travel time, especially during peak morning commute hours
  • Follow the ramp meters and remember to allow only one vehicle per green signal
  • Watch for K-rail and crash cushion the ramp, and be aware of changing conditions in this area


 

Westbound Main Street Off-Ramp to Close

The second phase of the "Main Street Squeeze" will close the westbound Main Street off-ramp starting in mid-May for 10 months.  The closure is necessary to allow crews to rebuild this off-ramp, build retaining walls and widen the 91 roadway. Motorists will be advised to use the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp as the detour. Alternate routes are Hidden Valley Parkway from the 15 and McKinley Avenue from the 91. Also starting in mid-May and continuing for approximately four months, 54 parking spaces at the Main Street Park and Ride Lot will not be available; motorists may park at the adjacent Metrolink station.


Information on the westbound Main Street off-ramp closure will be included in future Construction Alerts and other notices.

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Get the Skinny: 91 Lane Widths to be Reduced 

Starting in early June, eastbound and westbound lanes on the 91 between the 15 and the 71 will be reduced in width, creating a tighter squeeze for Corona drivers.  The carpool lane and #1, #2 and #3 lane will be reduced to 10.5 feet across; the #4 or "slow lane" will remain 12 feet in width.  In addition, one-mile sections of the outer shoulder will be removed in various locations. These conditions will remain for 10 months to allow crews room to work safely and widen the roadway.  

The Riverside County Transportation Commission will add an additional Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) tow truck to help stranded motorists and to clear accidents more quickly.   Motorists are reminded to be alert to changing conditions and to always signal before changing lanes. As noted above, additional CHP enforcement will be in place within the project limits.

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More information will be provided in future Construction Alerts and other communication tools. Not registered to receive project information?  Please use the "Contact Us"  page of the website, call the helpline, 877-770-9191, "Like" us on  Facebook  or "Follow" us on Twitter.

CHP Increases Enforcement of 55 MPH Speed Limit through Project Limits

Driving more than 55 miles per hour in a construction zone endangers drivers, passengers and construction crew members.  The California Highway Patrol has ramped up enforcement of the 55 MPH speed limit in the 91 Project limits in an effort to reduce collisions and protect motorists and construction crews.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone collisions.  Please pay attention to speed limit signs and do not exceed 55 in the project zone.  Please note that traffic fines are doubled in construction zones.

While the "Corona Crawl" often prevents high rates of speed during peak morning and afternoon commuting hours, speeds increase at night, which is when most construction activity and lane reductions are occurring on the 91 and on Interstate 15. Please remember to be alert.  

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"91 Receipt Rewards" Program Launches with Success 

91 Project team members are not only working to improve the 91, but also are contributing to the local economy by patronizing local businesses. As part of the 91 Project Business Support Program, team members are participating in "91 Receipt Rewards."

Launched in late February, this campaign allows team members to submit receipts from purchases made in Corona during the previous month. At the end of each month, a receipt is drawn, and a team member receives a $40 gift card to a local business. The receipts for each month also are being tallied to show how much the project team is contributing to Corona's economy. After just one month, team members racked up $6,026.70 in spending at Corona businesses. The winning team member chose a gift card to Goodfellas Caf�, located at 1090 Pomona Road.

 


 

Business Spotlight: Johnny's Auto Body and Color Werx

 

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Johnny's Auto Body and Color Werx is a trusted business for your car collision and restoration needs. Owner Johnny Hammond has more than 30 years of experience and a reputation for hands-on quality care with every vehicle that enters his shop. Located within the 91 Project corridor at 12500 Magnolia Avenue, Suites A & B, Johnny's Auto Body and Color Werx is #1 on the Inland Empire Hot List and carries the title for "Best Body Shop." Johnny's Auto is willing to work with all insurance companies. Receive $250 off of your deductible price with a "Shop 91. Shop Local." coupon. Connect with Johnny's Auto on Facebook or call (909) 663-2319 to schedule an appointment today.


* Business Spotlights are for informational purposes only. The 91 Project, RCTC and partner agencies are not endorsing these businesses.

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Business Spotlight: Karen's Beauty Salon

For the past eight years, Karen's Beauty Salon has been providing Corona area residents with quality, affordable hair and beauty services for men and women.  Located at 210 W. Grand Boulevard, #103 in Corona, the professional, bilingual stylists are friendly and make you feel at home.

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Currently, Karen's Beauty Salon is offering men and children haircuts starting at $7 and women haircuts starting at $10. A full range of hair services is offered including hair coloring. Additionally, nail services begin at $15 as well as eyebrow threading starting at $5. Karen's Beauty Salon is conveniently open seven days a week. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. To schedule an appointment, please call Karen at (951) 545-8545. You can also follow them on their new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/karensline

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* Business Spotlights are for informational purposes only. The 91 Project, RCTC and partner agencies are not endorsing these businesses.

Project Overview
RCTC

Led by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), the 91 Project will add regular lanes, tolled express lanes, auxiliary lanes and a direct express lane connector from northbound 15 to westbound 91 and eastbound 91 to  southbound 15. Improvements to interchanges, bridges, ramps,  and local streets also will be made along the 91.

Quick Links
Save the Date
91 Project Open House
Corona Public Library
May 14, 2015
6-8 pm

Stay Connected
Website 
 
Project Helpline 
877-770-9191 

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