I-15 / I-215 Devore Junction
Goods Movement Improvement Project
The junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 215 near Devore, California, is one of the worst grade-related bottlenecks in the USA. Severe delays are common, especially during peak afternoon and weekend hours. The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce congestion, reduce accidents, and improve freeway operation.
- Devore Fact Sheet (updated 10/06/11)
- Devore Talking Points (posted 10/06/11)
Throughout the project approval/environmental document phase of work, Caltrans and SANBAG conducted a variety of technical studies and obtained public feedback about features associated with each of these design alternatives. Alternative 3A has been selected as the preferred alternative for the project.
The project was one of a limited number statewide that was selected to use the design-build delivery method, rather than the traditional design-bid-build method. The design-build method saves time and promotes coordination between Caltrans, the designer and the contractor. For more information about the design-build phase of this project, go to the site below.
- Project Overview
- Traffic & Trucks
- Studies & Schedules
- Project Contacts
Project Overview & Significance
Caltrans and SANBAG have studied a number of proposed improvements for the interchange. These improvements include the addition of one northbound lane and one southbound lane on Interstate 15 between Interstate 215 and Glen Helen Parkway, where the current freeway is three lanes in each direction. The addition of the new lanes would provide a continuous set of four lanes in each direction between State Route 60 and US Highway 395. This would allow motorists to travel through the interchange without having to change lanes or lose lanes in the process.
The proposed improvements to Interstate 15 would allow this freewayto be the primary movement for traffic, with I-215 traffic merging and diverging from the right-hand side of the freeway. These improvements would reduce traffic delays, improve the flow of goods through the region and enhance the reliability of goods headed to and from freight facilities in the San Bernardino Valley and the Victor Valley.
Truck bypass lanes also are being considered to help improve traffic flow along this major freight movement route. I-15 is designated a Corridor of National Significance, and this interchange is a critical bottleneck for the region. Adding truck bypass lanes would eliminate the need for slower-moving trucks to weave across heavy, faster-moving automobile traffic to enter the right lanes as they pass through the interchange.
In addition, the project will enhance local road operations, notably the connection of Cajon Boulevard/Route 66 through the interchange. This connection will allow local traffic to travel through Devore directly from north to south without entering the freeway or winding hilly, county roads.
This project is of great significance to SANBAG. The agency designated it as its highest priority when seeking state and federal transportation funds. The interchange improvements are the top priorty, due to the severe grade-related bottleneck condition. The interchange also was named the highest short-term priority in the Interstate 15 Comprehensive Corridor Study prepared for SANBAG, Caltrans and the Southern California Association of Governments in 2006.
SANBAG advanced funds from its Measure I 2010-2040 program to begin this early project development work. The widening of I-15 through the San Bernardino Valley and Victor Valley is also a project of the Measure I 2010-2040 and will be advanced at a later date.
Approximate Project Cost
The preliminary cost estimate for the project is more than $324 million. Cost estimates vary, based upon the design alternatives. A total of $137.6 million has been programmed for the interchange from the State Highway Operations and Protection Program. Other federal, state and local funding sources will be used to fund the balance of the project. Local sources include Measure I, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in San Bernardino County.
Traffic & Trucks
- More than one million vehicles travel each week through the I-15/I-215 Interchange in Devore.
- Traffic forecasts predict that more than 379,000 vehicles could be traveling through the area daily by 2040, compared to an average of 140,000 to 160,000 vehicles per day now.
- Currently the interchange experiences 1,200 daily vehicle hours of delay at an annual cost of $3.75 million. Without the improvement project, these numbers are expected to increase by the year 2040 to 25,000 daily vehicle hours of delay at an annual cost of more than $80 million.
- A total of 21,000 trucks travel through this area each day.
- This interchange is the most significant chokepoint on I-15 in San Bernardino County, with traffic queues extending south for more than three miles during the late afternoon/evening rush hour. Friday evening delays are much longer, due to additional recreational drivers bound for Las Vegas and Laughlin.
- Interstate 15 is a key goods movement gateway to Southern California
Engineering & Environmental Work
Technical engineering, environmental, traffic and other studies have been conducted for this phase of the project. These studies, in conjunction with local jurisdiction and public input, have led to the recommendation of a preferred project alternative, 3A, for which environmental clearance will be sought from state and federal agencies.
As part of the technical studies, experts have conducted mapping, surveying and studies of traffic conditions, highway capacity and safety, impacts to residents, railroad operations, public utilities, right of way needs, air quality, noise, sensitive plants/wildlife, water quality, seismic issues, hazardous materials, drainage and other potential impacts to the area.
Estimated Project Schedule
Caltrans and SANBAG have completed the Draft Environmental Document and expect to receive environmental approval by 2012. Design-build work will start in the mid-2012 and will last up to four years. Right of way needs will be identified; it will be necessary to acquire parcels for this project. Right of way purchases will start in 2012 after approval of the environmental document. This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Contact Us
| Call Us at: | 909-884-8276 |
| Write to Us: | San Bernardino Associated Governments Attention: I-15/I-215 Interchange Improvements Project 1170 West 3rd St, 2nd Floor San Bernardino, CA 92410 |
Receive Project Information Online
To sign up for project information and to be notified for upcoming meetings complete the following online form.
Please note that items with an asterisk (*) are required.
