Process

What is the Process for the SR 79 Realignment Project?

The Riverside County Transportation Commission continues to work on the Project Report and Environmental Document phase for the realignment of SR 79. The technical reports, draft environmental document, and draft engineering report are being prepared based on Corridors 1 and 2. The required field surveys and technical reports have been largely completed.

The Project has been revised in response to agency and public input regarding local community access and visual impacts, mainly in the area south of Florida Avenue. The alternative corridors (Corridors 1 and 2) previously defined for Project analysis are not changing. However, within these corridors additional intersections and/or interchange locations are being considered. A lower roadway profile is also being considered to reduce visual impacts on surrounding communities. These changes are being analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIR/EIS) that is being prepared for the Project. Due to the consideration of this additional information, preparation of the Draft EIR/EIS is ongoing and public circulation is expected in late 2011.

Has a preferred alternative been selected for the Project?

Currently, a preferred alternative has not been selected for the Project. The consideration of a preferred alternative for the Project will begin after the Draft EIR/EIS is circulated to the public for review in late 2011.

The Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto have each identified a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Project. The City of Hemet LPA was adopted by resolution on May 13, 2008, and is shown on the Project Location Map as a yellow line with a green center. The City of San Jacinto LPA was adopted as part of that city's General Plan in January 2006, and is shown on the Project Location Map as a yellow line with a blue center. The County of Riverside has not selected an LPA.

What is the status of the Project surveys?

Most of the Project survey work has been completed! RCTC would like to thank all of the property owners who participated during this field survey effort. There are just a few surveys left to complete. These remaining surveys are for cultural resources and geotechnical work and will be based on the preferred alternative that is selected.