California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 71

The original routing of Route 71 (which included the current routing) was from US 80 (now I-8) in San Diego to US 66 near Claremont via Elsinore and Temecula. The 1934 signed route definition was Jct. US 80 near San Diego to Jct. US 66 near Claremont, via Elsinore and Temecula. In October 1935, it was noted that the segment of Route 71 along the San Diego to San Bernardino route had been resigned as US 395. It can be broken into the following segments:

Between US 80 (LRN 12; now I-8) and Temecula, the route was signed as Route 71 between 1934 and the signage of US 395. US 395 signage was announced in CHPW in October 1935. This segment is part of present-day I-15. It was LRN 77, defined in 1931.
Later, there was a definition of a segment of Route 71 running between Route 79 near Aguanga and Temecula. This was originally part of Route 79 (another 1934 signed route), but was later signed as part of Route 71 until 1973. It was LRN 78. It is presently signed as Route 79 (and what had been Route 79 between Aguanga and the junction with Route 74 is Route 371; that segment was LRN 277, defined in 1959). This was all defined in 1931.
Between Temecula and Corona, the route was signed as Route 71 between the 1934 signage of state highways and its redesignation as I-15 in 1974. It was LRN 77, defined in 1931. This segment may have also been signed as part of US 395 (it is unclear); US 395 was first signed in October 1935. Temescal Canyon Road just south of Corona was the original Route 71 before the Interstate, dating back to 1820 or earlier. It was used by gold diggers in 1849 and was a military road between San Diego and Los Angeles from 1861 to 1865. It was adopted by the state in 1931. In 1959, a marker was placed at a site 200 feet south of Glen Ivy Road to commemorate the road’s history. This marker was rededicated in 2013.
Between Corona and Pomona, the route has been signed as Route 71 since the 1934 signage of highways. This was also LRN 77, and was defined in 1931. By 1961, in Corona, Route 71 north followed Ontario Avenue, Main Street, then 6th Street west to Route 91/Pre-1964 Route 18. It then ran multiplexed with Route 91 to the current Route 71/Route 91 junction at Prado Dam. Originally in Corona, Route 71 originally followed Pomona Road and Auto Center Drive to cross the Santa Ana River northeast of the current Prado Dam site, before connecting to the current alignment. Due to dam construction, this routing no longer is traversable across the river. Near Prado Regonal Park, Route 71 continued north on Euclid Avenue (current Route 83), making a left on Pine Avenue to continue northeast on El Prado Road and Central Avenue. From Central Avenue, Route 71 northbound then went west on Chino Hills Parkway, crossing under the current alignment (at which point this part of old Route 71 becomes part of current Route 142). Route 71 north continued on west Route 142 to Peyton Drive. Route 71 then went up north on Peyton Drive to Pomona; near the current Route 71/Route 60 interchange, Route 71 fed into Garey Avenue. The intersection of Peyton and Garey may have been reconfigured for freeway construction.
Between Pomona and US 66: Although this is no longer part of the "real" Route 71, the extension to I-210 was only a proposed route in 1963, and was LRN 240, defined in 1959.
Route 71 had a different segment also signed as Route 71 (along Garey Avenue); this ran to US 66 and was part of the original 1909 definition of LRN 19. According to Chris Sampang, traveling through Pomona on Garey Avenue (which later became Route 215 from 1964-1965), it appears the state highway took a couple of paths - one, straight on Garey Avenue to Route 66; another, as seen on this map, was McKinley Avenue and White Avenue to Route 66 (Foothill Boulevard, supplanted by current Route 210). This may explain why White Avenue becomes a divided highway immediately to the north of McKinley Avenue.

Between Temecula and Corona

The portion of the former routing along Temescal Canyon (roughly current I-15 to Route 79) was part of the planned Imperial Highway. The name "Imperial" refers to the Imperial Valley, which took its name from the Imperial Land Co., a subsidiary of the California Development Company charged with reclaiming the water-starved but arable land east of San Diego for agricultural purposes in the early 1900s. The company began building canals in 1900, diverting water from the Colorado River for irrigation, and forming the Salton Sea in the process. The Los Angeles area wanted to patch together a superhighway that would stretch from the Pacific all the way to Brawley in the Imperial Valley, a distance of 215 miles; the route was later extended a few miles farther south to El Centro. The most route roughly followed the old Butterfield Stage overland route, established in 1858: across the desert (Route 78) and along today’s Route 79 to Temecula, where it headed on to Corona via Lake Elsinore and Temescal Canyon (Route 71, later I-15). There the road turned left down the Santa Ana Canyon on its way to Yorba Linda (present-day Route 91) and La Habra (present-day Route 90), then across Los Angeles County to meet the sea at El Segundo (as Imperial Highway, although it is paralleled by I-105). The extension to Brawley was along Route 86 The early Imperial Highway plans involved connecting a patchwork assortment of roads of varying length and quality. In 1912, a group of Los Angeles boosters informally known as the Committee of One Hundred, working with Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside and Imperial counties, settled on a route along the edge of the inland Salton Sea that completely bypassed San Diego County, from which Imperial County had been split off in 1907. The Los Angeles section of road would be mostly a straight shot from LAX to Anaheim, where the proposed road would dip south diagonally before eventually reaching the Imperial Valley. By the 1920s, the efficacy of the Imperial Highway concept had become apparent, and a new and more forceful private group, the Imperial Highway Association, was formed in 1929 to encourage the regions involved to mount a fully cooperative effort, including working closely with San Diego County, to get the job done. The association adopted an official route for a more streamlined, uniform highway in 1931 that ran slightly west of the earlier Salton Sea route. The improved roadway, now referred to informally as “the Cannon Ball Road,” would eliminate tight right angle turns that slowed trucks, smooth and widen the various roadways involved, and have new bridges where necessary. A major section in Yorba Linda was completed in 1937. Two-lane portions of the highway through Inglewood had to be expanded to four. A bridge over the Los Angeles River, completed in 1951, eliminated a crucial bottleneck; it replaced an old one that collapsed in 1948. The final section of the Imperial Highway as envisioned by the association was completed, and it was dedicated a scenic highway in a ceremony on the Imperial-San Diego county border in December 1961. Of its 220 total miles, 77 were county roads, with the rest being state highways. The cost to complete the project was estimated at $16 million (about $138 million in 2020 dollars). In 1965, Caltrans planned a new freeway along the path of Imperial Highway, from LAX to Norwalk. It opened in 1993 as I-105, though Imperial Highway itself remained in place, if somewhat less crucial than it once was. Through Orange County, Imperial Highway was Route 90. Major chunks of the roadway through Riverside and San Diego counties were subsumed by newer freeways and highways over the years. The 41-mile Los Angeles stretch, which passes through El Segundo, Hawthorne, Inglewood, South Los Angeles, Lynwood, South Gate, Downey, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs and La Mirada, retains the original Imperial Highway name, as does a section of Route 86 in El Centro (also known as Imperial Avenue).
(Source: Daily Breeze, “South Bay History: Imperial Highway once figured as part of a superhighway plan”, 3/29/2021; Orange County History “The Imperial Highway”, 2011)

Rte 71 Temecula to Alberhill Rerouting In 1951, the CHC proposed relocation of a 20 mi segment of Route 71 between Murietta and Alberhill (about a mi N of Lake Elsinore), and started the hearing process on the proposal. The new location was E of the present road, and started E of Murietta at the junction of the future direct route for US 395 from Temecula to Perris (now I-215), passing through Elsinore, and rejoining the existing Route 71 near Alberhill. The road was to be an improved and widened two-lane highway, half of a planned future four-lane divided expressway (which, post-1964, became I-15). The plan was for the new road to eliminate sharp curves and excessive grades, cutting two miles from the earlier route. The route was moved E of the existing highway to avoid disturbing existing homes in Sedco, a community S of Elsinore.
(Source: Lake Elsinore Valley Sun-Tribune, 10/25/1951, via Joel Windmiller1/29/2023)

Between Corona and Pomona

In 1 Freeway Routings in Corona 959, the CHC considered proposed routings for Route 71 (Corona Expressway, Garey Avenue) through Corona. This is a section of the inland route from San Diego to Pomona, part of which was completed through SE Pomona in 1958, as well as a section through Chino. The recommended route is 3.2 mi and is known as the Temescal Canyon Route. It runs from a previously adopted route at State St. N in a line close to the E city limits of Corona. The existing Route 71 in that area follows Ontario Ave from Corona's E city limits to Main Street, and continues along Main St. through the central business area of Corona. The recommended routing means that only one freeway instead of two would go through Corona. Route 71 and the projected Riverside Freeway (Route 91) would follow the same route W to the point where Route 71 swings N across Prado Dam to Pomona.
(Source: Progress-Bulletin, 6/24/1959, via Joel Windmiller, 2/23/2023)

Additional information on the history of the road near Prado Dam can be found in the document "The Pomona Rincon Road and its Place in the Regional Transportation Network", 10/19/1989.

Rte 57 / Rte 210 / Rte 71 Pomona Route Proposals In 1962, route proposals were being presented for the portion of future Route 57 between Route 60 (the Pomona Freeway) and the Foothill Freeway (Route 210/Route 30). These also included the connection to Route 71. The routes shown are not exact routings but the general routings to explore.
(Source: Progress-Bulletin, 7/4/1962 via Joel Windmiller, 2/19/2023)

Postmile Note: Route 71 is one of five "backward" routes in California (the others are Route 153, Route 282, I-580, and I-780). Postmile values normally increase from south to north or west to east depending upon the direction the highway follows within the state. For Route 71, postmiles increase from North to South. This is an artifact of the route originally being a West to East route, and later being extended to be North-South (contrast the route as planning in 1965, when the postmiles were laid out, with the route today).

TCRP #50 - Route 71 Freeway (07-LA-71 0.5/ 4.5)

Route 71 Freeway In September 2000, the California Transportation Commission considered a $1.5 million proposal to complete three miles of six-lane freeway of Route 71 between I-10 and Route 60. This is District 7 TCRP Project #50. The project includes adding one mixed flow lane and one HOV lane in each direction on Route 71 between I-10 and Route 60, converting existing 6-lane expressway to 8-lane freeway between Holt Avenue and Mission Boulevard, and converting existing 4-lane expressway to 6-lane freeway between Mission Boulevard and Route 60. This segment is the last remaining segment to be converted to freeway and to provide HOV lanes between I- 10 and Route 91. Project Location The total estimated cost was $146 million. The estimated construction completion date is June 2009. However, the project was up for suspension (due to budget) in December 2003. Funds were shifted to Project 41.1 (Route 5 HOV Lanes). Construction is now scheduled for completion in February 2011. Additionally, funds were deallocated from the early phases of this project in September 2005 due to the inactivity of the project.

In June 2007, the CTC considered an amendment to TCRP #50. This amendment proposes to add the Route 71/Mission Grade Separation project (STIP PPNO 2232) to the scope of this TCRP project and program new TCRP funds for construction. The Mission Grade Separation project is located within the Route 71 project corridor. The environmental document covers both projects. Although, the Route 71 freeway conversion project (original scope of TCRP Project #50) is on hold due to insufficient funding the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is committed to fully fund the project when funding becomes available. This amendment will help to achieve an increment of the intended goal of TCRP Project #50 by improving flow as an early stage implementation. Construction was revised to complete in the FY 2012/2013 time period. As of November 2008, the grade separation project between Mission Blvd and Route 71 was underway. The median on Route 71 had been completely paved, the left turn lanes have been reduced from two lanes to one, and equipment is ready to drive beams into the northbound Route 71 lanes to start that portion of the grade change and overpass.

In September 2002, the CTC considered future consideration of funding for upgrading the freeway and improving the interchange in Pomona. In particular, the City of Pomona has a project to improve the interchange of Mission Blvd and Route 71. This project will remove the existing at-grade intersection of Mission Boulevard at Route 71 by constructing an overcrossing of Mission Boulevard over the existing Route 71 expressway. Six through lanes and two turning lanes are proposed for the overcrossing, and the design provides a compressed diamond configuration allowing full uncontrolled ingress and egress on Route 71 using standard freeway type on and off-ramps. Completion of the project will improve traffic circulation at this heavily used intersection. The project schedule anticipates advertising for construction bids in early 2007 with estimated construction starting in Summer 2007. Construction is anticipated to take 24 months to complete. It appears that, as part of this project the 2nd Street intersection and the Pomona Boulevard interchange are going to be eliminated.

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route:

High Priority Project #511: Corridor improvements for the Mission Boulevard/Route 71 Interchange. HPP #3771 seems to provide additional funds for this.$3,360,000. (~ LA 1.636)
High Priority Project #3771: Mission Boulevard/Route 71 interchange—corridor improvements in Pomona. This seems to be additional funding for HPP #511. $3,000,000. (~ LA 1.636)

In August 2011, it was reported that the Route 71/Mission Grade Separation project (STIP PPNO 2232) was completed. Traffic on Mission is now carried up and over Route 71, eliminating the extra stops and wait time for motorists. This completes the first phase of a major project on Route 71. The second phase will convert it into a full freeway, without the city street aspect. The interchange fully opened (with all ramps functional) in December 2011. Caltrans officials have said Route 71 could become a six-lane freeway with a carpool lane by 2023.

In February 2012, it was reported that Pomona officials have been working to secure grants that would go to completing studies and other work that could help expedite turning Route 71 into a full-fledged freeway some day. Pomona has applied for a federal grant that could help pay for the design and widening of two bridges between I-10 and Mission that carry Route 71 traffic over railroad tracks. The city is seeking $25 million to go toward an estimated $33 million construction project that would involve widening to freeway width the so-called Spadra bridge and the West Pomona bridge.

In January 2013, it was reported that the Pomona City Council was selecting their preferred alternative for the Route 71 widening between I-10 and Route 60. This is part of the project where Pomona, Caltrans and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have been working to update plans and studies completed in the past to expand Route 71 from a four-lane highway to a full-fledged eight-lane freeway between I-10 and Route 60. Currently scheduled for completion in 2030, if earlier funding can be obtained, construction to widen Route 71 could begin in 2015 and conclude as early as 2017. Five options are available but the first two are not being recommended by city public works personnel, according to a city staff report. Alternative 1 involves leaving the highway as it for the long term. Alternative 2 would require building a wider, below-ground Route 71. The concept, approved in 2002, has a high cost in part because it would require the acquisition of about 140 properties. Alternatives 3, 4, and 4A, would require the acquisition of less than 40 properties in part, in whole or temporarily. Alternative 3 involves widening Route 71, adding a frontage road that connects Phillips Drive and North Ranch Road and adding a pedestrian bridge near Ninth Street to replace one at Grier Street. Alternative 4 includes completing the widening; eliminating the current intersections at Phillips, North Ranch and Old Pomona Road; building a frontage road between Phillips and Old Pomona; constructing an overcrossing at Old Pomona that connects Village Loop Road and Lexington Avenue; and adding the pedestrian bridge. Alternative 4A would include all of the elements of Alternative 4 but would leave out the overpass. City public works personnel prefer Alternative 4 because it would enhance access to the area, the city staff report said.
(Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 1/6/13)

In March 2016, the Los Angeles MTA presented its full proposal for what transit lines could be built -- and when -- if Los Angeles County voters approve a half-cent sales tax increase in November 2016. This proposal included funding for a project on Route 71 from I-10 to Rio Rancho Rd. that will add 1 Mixed-Flow lane in each direction on Route 71, from I-10 to Rio Rancho Rd. for a total of 3 miles. The project will provide 3 Mixed Flow lanes throughout with 4 Mixed Flow lanes in segments"
(Source: Los Angeles Times 3/18/2016; Metro Board Report 3/24/2016)

In November 2016, it was reported that Measure M will fund an upgrade of Route 71, the highway/freeway combination that runs between San Dimas and Corona, to a full-fledged freeway through the city of Pomona. For most of its run through Pomona, Route 71 currently is a four-lane highway with street intersections. Measure M is going to change that — but it will take some time. (Route 71 is also an expressway rather than a freeway in Riverside County between Corona and the San Bernardino County line; Measure M will have no effect on that portion.) In Pomona, the 71 will be widened from a four-lane highway to an eight-line freeway, from just south of Mission Boulevard to Rio Rancho Road. According to Caltrans, design work for the construction will be completed in about 2020. Construction could begin by late that year, and will take about four years.
(Source: Daily Bulletin, 11/22/2016)

In March 2017, the CTC authorized that $395,000 be allocated from Budget Act Item 2660-002-3007 for plans, specifications and estimates for the State administered TCRP project "Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion" (Route 10 to Route 60). On Route 71 in Pomona, between Route 10 and Route 60 (07-LA-71 0.5/ 4.5). Add one mixed flow lane and one HOV lane in each direction on Route 71. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-02-48; October 2002.

In June 2017, the CTC authorized transfer of TCRP savings from projects on I-10 and I-405 to other projects, including TCRP #50. TCRP Project 50 includes $30,000,000 in TCRP funding for two segments along Route 71: Mission Boulevard/Route 71 Interchange (PPNO 2232) and Route 71 – six lanes from Route 10 to Route 60 (PPNO 2741). A total of $16,400,000 was previously programmed and allocated for construction of the Mission Boulevard/Route 71 Interchange segment (PPNO 2232) and the project is now complete. A total of $4,800,000 was previously programmed and allocated for the Route 71 – six lanes from Route 10 to Route 60 segment (PPNO 2741), leaving an un-programmed balance of $8,800,000. The Department and Metro propose to re-program the $8,800,000 of identified TCRP savings to the Design (PS&E) phase of the Route 71 - six lanes from Route 10 to Route 60 segment and update the project schedule and funding plan. This programming action, along with the addition of federal re-purposed funds, will fully fund the PS&E phase.

In conjunction with the above, the CTC also approved the following Tier 2 allocation: Los Angeles 07-LA-71 0.5/ 4.8 $8,800,000 Project 50 - Route 71 Expwy to Fwy Conversion (Route 10 to Route 60) . In Pomona, between Route 10 and Route 60. Add one mixed flow lane and one HOV lane in each direction on Route 71. Future Consideration of Funding approved under Resolution E-02-48; October 2002. Outcome/Output: The project proposes to upgrade 3.2 miles of existing four-lane expressway to an eight-lane freeway by adding 6.4 lane miles of mixed flow and 6.4 lane miles of concurrent flow HOV lanes. Allocation to come from TCRP savings as follows: • Tier 2: $8,800,000 from TCRP Project 52 - HOV and Auxiliary Lanes, Waterford to Route 10.

The 2018 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2018 meeting, appears to close out PPNO 2741, Convert to 6-lane freeway, Route 10 to Route 60, but to add a new PPNO 2741N, Convert to 8-lane fwy, Rt 10-Mission Rd, HOV+mixed-flow , for $20,000K in construction and construction support in FY20-21.

In April 2018, it was reported that Metro was applying for TCRP (Trade Corridor Relief Program) funds in addition to SB1 funds for the Route 71 Freeway Conversion Project in the San Gabriel Valley that will upgrade Route 71 to a full freeway between I-10 and Rio Rancho Road..
(Source: Metro The Source, 4/19/2018)

In March 2019, it was reported that Caltrans workers have begun the work to demolish some of the 17 homes needed to make way for the long-awaited Route 71 Freeway expansion in Pomona. For years, the state agency had plans to grow Route 71 from four to eight lanes and add a pedestrian bridge over the highway at Grier Street. It wasn’t possible until funding was identified in 2016, when voters approved Measure M, known as the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan, a half-percent sales tax for multiple transportation projects that range from bike paths in the San Fernando Valley to extending the Gold Line to Claremont. According to Caltrans, to make way for the project, the agency needed to purchase 17 homes between Mission and Phillips boulevards in the Pomona neighborhoods of Westmont and Phillips Ranch. In a statement Friday, Caltrans said 12 of the single family residences have been purchased or are near closing escrow. The remaining five homes are pending settlements with negotiations well underway. Demolition work has begun on the dozen properties Caltrans now owns, and the occupants have relocated. Three properties have been demolished and the remaining vacated properties are scheduled to be competed in the early weeks of April, Caltrans said. According to a March 4 2019 staff report to the City Council, the first phase of this project will encompass the southern portion of Route 71, from Route 60 to Mission Boulevard. The second phase is currently planned to run from Mission Boulevard to I-10.
(Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune, 3/17/2019)

In November 2019, it was reported that the Route 71 Project Phase 1 has completed design and Caltrans is in the process of acquiring the Rights-of-Way (ROW). Phase 1 will be ready to be advertised for construction in April 2020. Funding for construction must be programmed before Caltrans can advertise the Phase 1 project.
(Source: AARoads "71 Freeway Upgrade (Pomona) Likely to start in mid-2020", 12/9/2019)

In March 2020, the CTC approved the 2020 STIP, which continues the programmed funding for PPNO 2741N "Convert to 8-lane fwy, Rt 10-Mission Rd, HOV+mixed-flow (TCEP)" of $20,000K in FY21-22.
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In June 2020, the CTC approved an amendment to the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP) regarding this project: specifically, to reduce the scope, benefits, funding, and amend the Baseline Agreement (BA) for the Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion project (PPNO 2741S). The amendment proposes the following scope changes:
(Source: June 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1s.(4))

The project will terminate the roadway widening 0.2 mile early at the northern limit of the project due to physical constraints. The southern limit has been increased by 0.2 mile to complete the median pavement to provide continuous High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes up to the undercrossing. This will close the gap and facilitate joining the proposed HOV lanes to the existing Route 71 HOV lanes.
The new Pedestrian Overcrossing (POC) bridge construction will be removed resulting in a reduction of TCEP Construction Capital (CON) funding from $39,000,000 to $38,025,000.

The June 2020 agenda item noted that the Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion project (PPNO 2741S) was originally programmed under the parent project (PPNO 2741) between PM R0.5 to R4.8 from I-10 to the Los Angeles (LA)/San Bernardino (SBD) County Line (CL). Subsequently, the parent project was segmented, as shown below, in order to accelerate the construction of the South Segment. This gave two segments: (1) North Segment (PPNO 2741N) - PM R0.5 to R1.6 from I-10 to Mission Boulevard (Blvd); and (2) South Segment (PPNO 2741S) - PM R1.6 to R4.8 from Mission Blvd to the LA/SBD CL. The Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion project (PPNO 2741S) was adopted by the Commission at its May 2018 meeting under Resolution TCEP-P-1718-01. A BA was approved by the Commission at the October 2018 meeting under Resolution TCEP-P-1819-05B. The project was programmed with TCEP funds for $44,000,000 for the project construction phase, for a total project cost of $175,519,000. As Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) activities progressed for this project, the Project Development Team (PDT) realized that the existing Southern California Edison (SCE) electrical poles that ran parallel to the roadway were in conflict with the widening. These poles could not be relocated outside of the State Right of Way (R/W) due to limited space within the adjacent residential properties. It was decided that the SCE poles should be relocated within the State R/W with a Joint Use Agreement. The relocation of poles resulted in the existing open drainage ditch to be changed to a large size closed Reinforced Concrete Box (RCB). This change also required the roadway profile to be elevated up to 5 feet and additional retaining walls were needed for the RCB to meet grade requirements at the southern end of the project. These unforeseen changes to the scope have increased the PS&E cost by $2,175,000. Furthermore, during the Design phase, the PDT also realized that the proposed location of the new POC at the northern limit of the project needs to be relocated or re-designed due to flooding. The flooding stems from the culvert being connected to LA County’s undersized pipe that cannot handle the volume during a storm and backs up water to the frontage road. Resolving these issues will take time as it involves collaboration with LA County. The project will terminate the roadway widening 0.2 mile early at the northern limit of PM 1.8 at the existing POC because there is not enough horizontal clearance for the widening. The southern limit has been increased by 0.2 mile to complete the median pavement to provide continuous HOV lanes up to the undercrossing. This will close the gap and facilitate joining the proposed HOV lanes to the existing Route 71 HOV lanes. As this project is on an accelerated schedule, removal of the new POC and termination of the widening 0.2 mile early at the northern limit was deemed appropriate by the PDT, due to the long lead times needed to resolve the issues. As a result, the new POC, widening, R/W acquisition and utility relocation work at the northern limit of the project will be done as part of the North Segment project (2741N) reducing the R/W Capital cost of the South Segment by $15,500,000, which will be transferred to the North Segment (2741N).
(Source: June 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1s.(4))

In June 2020, the CTC approved the following allocation amendment for a State-Administered TCEP project: $43,025,000. 07-LA-71 1.8/R4.7. PPNO 07-2741S ProjID 0719000068 EA 21062. Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion (Mission Road to Route 60). In Pomona from Mission Road to Route 60. Add on mixed lane and one HOV lane in each direction. CON ENG $5,000,000 CONST ~~$39,000,000~~ $38,025,000. Amendment is reducing the scope (deleting a bridge) and a corresponding reduction in TCEP Construction Capital funding.
(Source: June 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5s.(6) #1)

In March 2021 the CTC received notice of, and in May 2021 the CTC had on its agenda, a STIP amendment (likely approved) to amend the Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion project (PPNO 2741N) in Los Angeles County, to delay construction by two years from Fiscal Year 2021-22 to 2023-24. The Route 71 Expressway to Freeway Conversion project (PPNO 2741N) was originally programmed under the parent project (PPNO 2741) between Post Mile (PM) R0.5 to R4.8 from I-10 to the Los Angeles (LA)/San Bernardino (SBD) County Line (CL). Subsequently, the parent project was segmented in order to accelerate the construction of the South Segment: (1) North Segment (PPNO 2741N) - PM R0.5 to R1.6 from I-10 to Mission Boulevard (Blvd); (2) South Segment (PPNO 2741S) - PM R1.6 to R4.8 from Mission Blvd to the LA/SBD CL. The project (PPNO 2741N) proposes to add one mixed flow lane and one high occupancy vehicle lane in each direction to increase capacity and reduce congestion, increase traffic safety and accommodate future traffic demands resulting from regional growth. Metro is the project sponsor and has programmed $20,000,000 STIP Regional Improvement Program funds and $109,000,000 local funds for construction and construction support in 2021-22. The South Segment (PPNO 2741S) project is scheduled to complete construction by Summer of 2024. Metro and the Department are requesting to delay the construction schedule for this North Segment (PPNO 2741N) project until after completion of the South Segment project to avoid conflicts between the contractors for the two projects due to the overlapping work where the projects adjoin, which may result in delays and claims. A cost increase is not anticipated due to these schedule delays.
(Source: March 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1b.(2); May 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(3))

In June 2021, it was reported that Caltrans and Metro celebrated a groundbreaking for the project to widen Route 71 through Pomona. The Route 71 project will convert about 3.5 miles of existing four-lane expressway into an eight-lane freeway. Construction for the first phase – $174 million for just under two miles – is expected to complete in 2024. This construction has resulted in the closure of the remaining "right in, right out" intersections to SB Route 71. Widening Route 71 was included in Metro’s 2016 Measure M sales tax expenditure plan, which programs $248.5 million for a FY2022 groundbreaking and an anticipated FY2026 opening. The project also received $43 million in state SB 1 gas tax funding. Most of the demolition of homes near the route occurred decades ago; there are 3-4 remaining homes. Removal of those homes remains an area of controversy due to the approach Caltrans is taking. Caltrans’ is demolishing at least 18 homes, when their approved widening plan only called for around 12.
(Source: Streetsblog LA, 6/17/2021; Streetsblog LA, 7/13/2021)

In March 2023, it was reported that Phase 2 of the project, North Segment (PPNO 2741N) - PM R0.5 to R1.6 from I-10 to Mission Boulevard (Blvd), is facing a project funding shortfall of “up to $99 million” with “significant cost increases and potential schedule delays.” Specifically, utility and railroad coordination are causing delays. Additionally, there may be widening issues with the replacement POC for the existing Grier Street Pedestrian Overcrossing. The project plans to demolish that POC and replace it with a new longer pedestrian bridge, to be located one block north at 9th Street. The pedestrian overcrossing allows students living east of the freeway to walk to Westmont Elementary School. The existing ~100-foot-long freeway span is too short to accommodate Metro and Caltrans’ planned 8-lane freeway underneath. The new span requires additional engineering to avoid flooding issues.
(Source: Streetsblog LA, 3/2/2023)

In August 2010, the CTC approved relinquishment of right of way in the city of Chino Hills along Route 71 between Chino Hills Parkway and Pine Avenue (~ SBD R3.339 to SBD R6.516), consisting of collateral facilities.

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route:

High Priority Project #1957: Pine Avenue extension from Route 71 to Euclid Avenue in the City of Chino. $6,800,000. (~ SBD R6.516)

In June 2002, the CTC had on its agenda a proposal for Route 71 near City of Chino from San Bernardino County line to Santa Ana River (~ RIV 0.000 to RIV 2.795 to widen it to four lane expressway including two additional animal crossings.

Route 71/Route 91 Interchange (~ RIV R2.895)

[TCRP 64] There are currently plans (TCRP #64) to improve the Green River Interchange to NB Route 71, including adding an auxiliary lane and connector ramp. (June 2002 CTC Agenda Item 2.1c.(1)). In August 2007, the CTC approved two actions regarding this project, specifically with Project #64.1 and #64.2. TCRP #64.1 would improve the Green River Interchange and add an auxiliary lane and connector ramp east of the Green River Interchange to northbound Route 71 in Riverside County. Project #64.2 would improve the Green River Interchange and add an auxiliary lane and connector ramp east of the Green River Interchange to northbound Route 71 in Riverside County. The actions that were approved were to transfer $590,000 in TCRP funding from TCRP #64.1 to TCRP #64.2 for Plans, Specifications, and Engineering (PS&E), to program $4,410,000 in new TCRP funds for PS&E on #64.2, and to update schedules. The overall project goal is to relieve congestion and improve local traffic circulation on Route 91 in the area of Green River Road and Route 71. TCRP Project #64.1 relieves congestion on Route 91 in the area of Green River Road and Route 71 and improves local traffic circulation on Green River Road in the vicinity of Route 91 by replacing the current 3-lane Green River Road overcrossing with a 6-lane overcrossing, modification of ramps, and local street improvements at the interchange. Project 64.1 was completed in 2007 with funds remaining in the account due to various transfers. TCRP Project #64.2 relieves congestion on Route 91 in the eastbound direction by adding a lane in the vicinity of the Green River Interchange on eastbound Route 91 between Route 241 and Route 71, near the Riverside/Orange County line, extending to the Route 71/Route 91 interchange near the city of Corona in Riverside County. This project should complete in FY11/12.

In October 2011, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project to construct a direct flyover connector from eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 and reconfigure the eastbound Route 91 ramp between Green River Road and the Route 91/Route 71 interchange. The project is not fully funded. The project is programmed in the 2010 State Transportation Improvement Program. The total estimated cost is $113,000,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated tobegin in Fiscal Year 2015-16. The scope as described for the preferred alternative is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2010 State Transportation Improvement Program. A copy of the MND has been provided to Commission staff. Due to potential impacts to hazardous waste, visual resources, hydrology and water quality, noise, biological resources, and traffic, an Initial Study was completed for the project. Based upon environmental studies and proposed environmental commitments, including minimization and avoidance measures, restoration activities, and incorporation of BMPs, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As a result, an MND was completed for this project.

In April 2018, it was reported that the RCTC requested state funds to cover most of the $117 million cost of the long awaited Route 71/Route 91 interchange rework, and the California Transportation Commission could approve the request in May. Riverside County officials proposed putting up $23.4 million, or 20 percent of the price tag. However, there’s one giant qualification: Even if the Riverside County Transportation Commission manages to win a promise to fund the project, the dollars would come from a pot of money generated by California’s controversial raising of the gasoline tax increase last year through SB1 and there is a movement under way to repeal the tax increase. Parsons Transportation Group did an environmental analysis in June 2011, then updated it in November 2014, a commission report states. Because of the time that has elapsed, officials say the analysis needs to be updated again. That effort received a $2 million boost earlier this year from the state transportation agency. As for the project, the centerpiece is a new sweeping, multi-lane flyover ramp that would connect eastbound Route 91 with northbound Route 71. It would also reconfigure the eastbound Route 91 ramp between Green River Road and the Route 71/Route 91, the report states. If the state commission funds the interchange, and if the gas tax survives, construction could start in 2019 and take about two years.
(Source: Press Enterprise, 4/14/2018)

In November 2020, it was reported that the California Transportation Commission staff recommended on 11/16/2020 to fund this project and two others in Riverside County. The CTC will vote December 2 and 3, 2020 on the recommendations, which were made through a statewide competitive grant process. A “yes” vote by the CTC would allocate gas tax revenue from Senate Bill 1 to projects that include $58.1 million for the Route 71/Route 91 Interchange Project, Corona.
(Source: RCTC, 11/18/2020)

In March 2021, the CTC received notice of a proposed amendment to the 2020 STIP to program an Assembly Bill (AB) 3090 reimbursement project (PPNO 0077M) in order to advance the construction of the Route 91/Route 71 Interchange and Connectors project (PPNO 0077G) in Riverside County with local funds (Measure A). It is proposed to schedule the AB 3090 reimbursement over a three-year period beginning in Fiscal Year 2022-23. The Route 91/71 Interchange and Connectors project (PPNO 0077G) will replace the eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 loop connector with a direct connector ramp. It will also realign the Green River Road eastbound entrance ramp to Route 91 and construct a collector/distributor system in the eastbound direction between the Green River Road and Serfas Club Drive. Currently, $66,377,000 in Regional Improvement Program funding is programmed in 2022-23 to the construction (CON) phase of the project. On December 2, 2020, the Commission approved programming of $58,108,000 of Senate Bill 1 Trade Corridor Enhancement Program funds in 2021-22 for CON phase, per Resolution G-20-77, to the Route 91/Route 71 Interchange and Connectors project. RCTC anticipates this project being ready to list in December 2021 with contract award shortly thereafter. However, the STIP funds for this project are programmed in 2022-23 and cannot be allocated in advance due to capacity constraints in the 2020 STIP. As such, RCTC proposes to fund the construction component with local funds (Measure A) in order to accelerate delivery in 2021-22. The amendment was approved by the CTC in June 2021.
(Source: March 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1b.(3); June 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(20))

In July 2021, it was reported that improving the heavily congested and operationally deficient Route 71/Route 91 Interchange in Corona took another step forward with the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s award of a construction management contract to Corona-based Falcon Engineering. The interchange serves as a gateway between Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties and is a vital link for commuters and freight vehicles that use the Route 91. The interchange reconstruction project is designed to help relieve traffic congestion, increase travel reliability, improve safety, and enhance air quality. Project team members are finalizing environmental approvals, plans, and permits before advertising for construction bids in Spring 2022. Construction is expected to start during the second half of 2022 and take about three years to complete.
(Source: RCTC, 7/7/2021)

In August 2021, the CTC revised the June 2021 amendment to the STIP: Revise: Route 71/Route 91 interchange EB-NB Connector project (PPNO 0077G, EA 0F541). 08-RIV-091 R0.900/R2.600. Route 91 Near the City of Corona in Riverside County. Replace eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 loop connector with a direct connector ramp. Realign the Green River Road eastbound entrance ramp to Route 91and construct a collector/distributor system on Route 91 in the eastbound direction between the Green River Road and Serfas Club Drive. Updated financials ($ × 1,000): Const Cap: $135,615 ⇒ $145,684; Total $164,844 ⇒ $174,913.
(Source: August 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(2))

In March 2022, the CTC approved a request of $68,177,000 for the locally-administered multi-funded TCEP/STIP Route 71/Route 91 Interchange EB-NB Connector project (08-Riv-091 R0.9/R2.6; 08-Riv-071 1.9/3.0), on the State Highway System, in Riverside County, programmed in FY 2022-23. (PPNO 08-0077G; ProjID 0800000137; EA 0F541). Replace eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 loop connector with a direct connector ramp. Realign the Green River Road eastbound entrance ramp to Route 91, and construct a collector/distributor system on Route 91 in the eastbound direction between the Green River Road and Serfas Club Drive.
(Source: March 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5s.(5) / 2.5v.(4))

State Rte 91/State Rte 71 Interchange Improvement Project In January 2023, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which a MND and Addendum have been completed: 08-Riv-71, PM 1.6/3.0, 08-Riv-91, PM R0.6/R2.6. State Route 91/State Route 71 Interchange Improvement Project. Route 71 and Route 91 in Riverside County. Replace eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 loop connector with a direct connector ramp. Realign the Green River Road eastbound entrance ramp to Route 91 and construct a collector/distributor system on Route 91, in the eastbound direction between Green River Road and Serfas Club Drive, in Riverside County. (PPNO 0077G) This project is located in Riverside County. The project will construct a direct flyover connector from eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 and reconfigure the eastbound Route 91 ramp between Green River Road and the Route 91/Route 71 interchange. The project is programmed in the 2020 STIP. The total cost is $174,913,000, which includes SB 1 TCEP funding in Construction (capital). Construction is estimated to begin in 2022-23. The scope as described for the preferred alternative is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2020 STIP. A MND was prepared because of potential biological resource impacts. A copy of the MND has been provided to Commission staff. The Commission approved the project for future consideration of funding on October 27, 2011, under Resolution E-11-74. Changes to the scope include Right-of-Way and easement modifications, additional rock slope protection, culvert modifications, the addition of two sound walls, and grading modifications. The Department subsequently completed an Addendum to the MND pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The Department has approved this project for construction. This approval and the Addendum will satisfy the environmental requirements for this stage of the planning process.
(Source: January 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(5))

Also in January 2023, the CTC approved an amendment for the locally administered multi-funded SB 1 TCEP/STIP Route 71/Route 91 Interchange EB-NB Connector project (PPNO 0077G), on the State Highway System, in Riverside County, to allow non-proportional spending for the construction phase. The Commission allocated an advancement of $68,177,000 in March 2022, to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for the locally-administered multi-fund SB 1 TCEP/STIP Route 71/Route 91 Interchange EB-NB Connector project for Construction phase. At that time, the allocation approval the implementing agency, RCTC, did not request non-proportional spending. Because of this, RCTC is now requesting non‐proportional spending to fully exhaust the Federal earmarks during the early stages of project delivery to maximize the use of Federal funds. Otherwise, critical funding would be lost, and a local contribution would be required. As such, RCTC requires non‐proportional spending to meet the funding targets above.
(Source: January 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5s.(8))

In May 2023, the CTC approved the following allocation for a locally-administered STIP project: $19,913,000. 08-Riv-91 R0.9/R2.6; 08-Riv-71 1.9/3.0. PPNO 08-0077M; ProjID ~~0823000023~~ 0800000137; EA ~~1N121~~ 0F541. AB 3090 Reimbursement - Route 71/Route 91 Interchange EB-NB Connector. Replace eastbound Route 91 to northbound Route 71 loop connector with a direct connector ramp. Realign the Green River Road eastbound entrance ramp to Route 91, and construct a collector/distributor system on Route 91 in the eastbound direction between the Green River Road and Serfas Club Drive. CEQA - CE, 10/12/2021 NEPA - CE, 10/12/2021. Right of Way Certification: 02/04/2022. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-11-74; October 2021. Allocation: CONST $19,913,000.
(Source: May 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5c.(8))

Post-1964 Legistlative Route Graphic Former Route 71

Dawson/Dos Lagos Widening (Temescal Canyon)

Fmr Rte 71 Temescal Cyn In March 2018, it was reported that a $12.3 million funding agreement for a widening project intended to relieve heavy congestion on Temescal Canyon Road between Lake Elsinore and Corona has won approval from Riverside County supervisors. The Riverside County Transportation Commission is supporting the project with Measure A infrastructure funds, and under the agreement unanimously approved Tuesday, March 13, by the Board of Supervisors, the commission will release the money as the project progresses. About $2.7 million is expected to be used in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Construction is likely to begin in fall and end in the first half of 2020. Temescal Canyon Road is the primary north- south road in the area and often is an alternate route for motorists trying to avoid congestion on I-15 during peak commuting hours, a transportation agency statement said.
(Source: Press Enterprise, 3/14/2018)

In June 2018, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project that will construct roadway improvements to widen Temescal Canyon Road (former Route 71) from two to four lanes along two segments of roadway between Dawson Canyon Road and Dos Lagos Drive (total length 1.3 miles). The Project is estimated to cost $23,470,000 and is fully funded through construction with Local Funds ($3,870,000), Riverside County Transportation Commission Measure A Funds ($12,300,000), and Local Partnership Program Funds ($7,300,000). Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2018-19