Interstate 15 (I - 15) Main Street Interchange Project

The Interstate 15 (I-15) Main Street Interchange Project serves as a primary entry point for residents and visitors alike who come to visit Historic Downtown Lake Elsinore to enjoy dining, shopping, and events throughout the year.

In May 2019, the City completed the final design of the Main Street Interchange Improvement Project. The Project aims to increase vehicle and pedestrian safety by improving traffic flow from the on- and off-ramps of I-15 on Main St.

The City is the lead agency on this project, which is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. There will be temporary closures and realignments during this project, and updates will be posted and distributed appropriately as needed.

This $8 million construction project is being funded with the City's Measure Z Funding, Measure A Regional Arterial (MARA) Funding from the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), and by State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) from Caltrans.

Below are key components of the Main Street Interchange Project:

Project Description

  • Widening of Main Street through the Interchange
  • New Traffic Signals at On- and Off-Ramps on Main Street and at Camino Del Norte
  • Northbound and Southbound I-15 Ramp Widening
  • Metering at On-Ramps
  • Tieback Walls at Abutments
  • Illuminated Underpass Art Panels

Key Funding Sources

Below is the funding breakdown for this project, This includes construction costs, post design services, purchasing state furnished materials, construction management and construction support.

  • City of Lake Elsinore - Measure Z Funding - $1,700,000
  • RCTC - Measure A Regional Arterial (MARA) Fund - $7,946,000
  • Caltrans - State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) - $476,000

Estimated Construction Cost: $8 Million

Estimated Timeline: Begins in March 2022, Completion Expected in Approximately 18 Months