Preliminary Work on Newport Interchange to Begin Tonight

News release from the City of Menifee regarding road work beginning tonight:

MENIFEE -- Pre-construction work is underway on Menifee’s Interstate 215/Newport Road interchange project, one of seven projects in the $100 million Menifee Moving Capital Improvement Program (CIP) launched last year.

Utility relocation work is being done on Newport Road from Haun to Antelope roads and on the Interstate 215/Newport Road interchange right-of-way. The majority of work will take place overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. will and cause minimal traffic disruption. Lane closures may be in effect and speed limits will be reduced in construction zones.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 7, work will occur at night from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the week. Crews will be working on the north and southeast corners of Newport Road at Antelope Roads, on the north side of the freeway overpass and on the south side of Newport Road near Haun Road. Lanes will be closed in both directions of Newport Road during the nighttime working hours. Motorists are asked to follow the signage and the posted speed limit, and to plan accordingly.

Utility relocation work is expected to continue through February, with a break during December for the holidays. The interchange project groundbreaking is expected to take place in spring 2015.

The city will provide traffic and construction updates as necessary during pre-construction work.
For updated construction information, the community can check the Construction Update page on the city’s website at www.cityofmenifee.us, Facebook (cityofmenifeeus) and Twitter (cityofmenifee at
#I-215NEWic). The construction hotline, 1-844-440-INFO (4636), is available for any questions.

"After many years of discussion and planning, we’re thrilled to see pre-construction starting on our interchange improvement project," said City Manager Rob Johnson. "This is the third of seven major projects underway in the city’s Menifee Moving Capital Improvement Program that will create a huge, positive impact on traffic circulation within our city."

The Newport Road/Interstate 215 interchange project will greatly improve freeway access and traffic flow on Newport Road, Menifee’s main east/west corridor. The project will widen the freeway overpass and create a "clover" style interchange, eliminating existing left-hand turn signals for freeway entry while improving freeway on and off-ramp access.

Menifee is partnering with Caltrans and the County of Riverside Transportation Department to begin this $35 million project.