Measure I: I-215 Widening - San Bernardino
Construction on the first phase of the Interstate 215 Widening Project, which will widen the freeway throughout the City of San Bernardino, began in January 2007 and included reconstruction of the 5th Street bridge, which was completed in November 2008. The second phase began in December 2007. SANBAG, Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration and the City of San Bernardino are partners in this project, which is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve freeway operations.
Current Project Information
- See the project brochure: Bye-Bye Traffic!
- See the project newsletter, "Cruising Through Construction"
- For current construction information, visit the I-215 traffic advisories page...
- See a photo history of the project, visit the I-215 Project Photolog...
- SANBAG maintains a project database of parties who would like to be informed about construction activity on Interstate 215. Register to receive project updates by email.
I-215 Project Details
This project involves adding a mixed-flow lane and a carpool lane both northbound and southbound from just north of Interstate 10 (I-10) to State Route 210 (SR-210). Flyover connectors from I-215 to SR-210 also will be constructed, as well as an auxiliary lane in each direction between 5th Street and the SR-210 eastbound split, between 2nd Street and Mill Street, between 5th Street and Baseline, and in the southbound direction between the SR-210/I-215 interchange to University Parkway. Sound walls and retaining walls will be constructed as well.
Widening and realigning of the freeway will improve access to the west side of I-215 and enhance safety with the removal of entrances and exits from the fast lane and the addition of more conventional diamond interchanges. Right-of-way will be required for the project along the corridor. The exact requirements for some of the corridor right-of-way remain to be finalized.
In 2003, an average of 83,000 vehicles per day traveled through this section of I-215. This number is expected to grow to 135,000 vehicles per day by 2030.
The total cost is estimated to be more than $800 million and will be financed by a combination of federal, state, and Measure I funds. SANBAG has designed the freeway segments between Rialto Avenue and University Parkway. Caltrans has designed the freeway segment from Orange Show Road to south of Rialto Avenue. The project includes four phases, outlined below.
Grand Opening Event Held on New 5th Street Bridge – November 2008
Phase I: 5th Street Bridge
January 2007 to November 2008
Work began in January 2007 for the reconstruction of the 5th Street bridge, the first phase of the I-215 Widening Project. The bridge widening was completed in November 2008, six months ahead of schedule and under budget. SANBAG served as the lead for this phase of work.
This project included building the new bridge and removing the existing bridge in stages, allowing drivers to travel the east/west connector throughout the construction process. New bridge approaches were constructed between H Street and J Street, which involved regrading and elevating streets and intersections. Construction activity required extensive coordination with BNSF Railroad, which has approximately 100 trains using the tracks each day in this area – an average of one train every 15 minutes. The construction work required trains to be stopped for short periods of time, except during the fourth quarter of each year when there is increased time-sensitive rail traffic.
As a result of the project being completed ahead of schedule, approximately $2 million was saved. The reconstruction of the 5th Street bridge cost about $25 million, funded by state and local Measure I revenue. Measure I is the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in San Bernardino County.
Phase II: Freeway Widening, Orange Show Road to Rialto Avenue
Estimated Dates: December 2007 to Spring-2010
Caltrans serves as the lead agency for this section of the freeway widening project, which began in December 2007 and is expected to last to spring 2010.
In this project area, the freeway will be widened from three to five lanes in each direction and will include a carpool lane. The Mill Street bridge is currently being widened and lengthened to accommodate a widening of Mill Street from four to six lanes with new on-and off-ramps being constructed to Mill Street. When construction is complete, the new Inland Center Drive bridge will have two lanes in each direction and turn lanes. Bridges also will be widened over Warm Creek and Lytle Creek and street improvements will be made in the project area, which includes drainage work.
Some Mill Street on- and off-ramps are temporarily closed. In addition, the southbound Inland Center Drive off-ramp closed in March 2009 and is anticipated to reopen November 2009. Other closures are expected throughout the remainder of construction work with many taking place overnight to reduce the impact to traffic.
Phase III: Freeway Widening, Rialto Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue
Estimated Dates: Fall 2009 to Fall 2013
SANBAG will serve as the lead agency for construction of this section of the freeway widening project, which is scheduled to start in the fall of 2009 and last approximately four years. This work will include new bridges at 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 9th Street, Base Line and 16th Street, ramp reconfigurations, sound walls, drainage improvements, and local street improvements. The freeway will be widened from three to five lanes in each direction and will include a new carpool and mixed flow in both directions, and auxiliary lanes. The 9th Street and 16th Street bridges will be completely closed during portions of the construction schedule; however, Baseline will remain open during construction except for brief temporary closures.
Phase IV: Freeway Widening, Massachusetts Avenue to University Parkway
Estimated Dates: Fall 2009 to Summer 2013
Caltrans will serve as the lead agency for construction of this section of the freeway widening project. Work is tentatively set to start in mid-2009 and take about three and a half to four years to complete. This segment will involve the reconstruction of bridges at Massachusetts Avenue, Highland Avenue, and 27th Street, sound walls and operational and drainage improvements. Flyover connectors from I-215 to SR-210 also will be constructed during this phase as well as a southbound auxiliary lane from University Parkway to the I-215/SR-210 interchange and a general use lane on the northbound side through the same stretch of freeway. A carpool and mixed flow lane will also be added in each direction between Massachusetts and 27th Street.
