After years of crowds and undulations, a major breakthrough finally came here for the 91 freeway commuters of COVID-19.
The interchange connecting the 91 and 71 highways is scheduled to open at 6am on June 23rd, and promises a smooth commute for travelers in the Inland Empire and Orange County.
The $137 million project is expected to separate traffic fusions, maintain stable highway flows, and improve travel times for thousands of drivers each day.
The new two-lane connector loop replaces narrow single-lane ramps that often cause backups where the Eastbound 91 lanes meet the Northbound 71 lanes.
The bew new 71/91 interchange is almost ready to debut! EB 91 Green River RD On-Ramp Complete Weekend Closure @CityOfCorona It is scheduled for Friday. Running NB 71 Connectors & New EB 91 Green River RD On-Ramp Traffic Switch at 9pm Monday 6/23 6am pic.twitter.com/6eo6gnizpj
– RCTC 71/91 Interchange Project (@7191Interchange) June 18, 2025
Transportation officials said Friday that the upgrade was designed to eliminate one of the area’s most infamous traffic points.
“We’re excited to be able to help you get the chance to see us,” said Aaron Hake, executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Board.
The project began in early 2023 in the hopes of increasing traffic flow, improving safety, expanding access to other travel modes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The interchange serves as an important link for commuters and freight vehicles between Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties.
According to the project’s website, the interchanges are:
Replace the existing single-lane loop connector between the Eastbound 91 and the Northbound 71. Reorganize the Eastbound 91 on-ramp from Green River RoadRealign Southbound 71
The project will also support the movement of the region across the region by wildlife such as mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes.
