Interstate 215 is a major highway in western Riverside County that connects the communities of Murrieta, Menifee, Perris, Moreno Valley, and Riverside. Once a little-known road to San Diego that spanned empty fields and hills, I-215 now is a primary route for many residents. 

The Riverside County Transportation Commission began construction of the I-215 Central Project in early 2013 to widen the highway for a 12.5-mile section between Scott Road in Menifee and Nuevo Road in Perris. It was named the “Central” project because it was between two similar projects on I-215: one to the south between Scott Road and Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and a proposed long-term project on I-215 to the north between Nuevo Road and Route 60.

The I-215 Central Project added a lane in both directions to provide three continuous northbound and southbound lanes between the 60/215 interchange and the 15/215 interchange. Most of the widening occurred within the I-215 median. The project also widened or replaced bridges, ramps, and flood control channels and resurfaced other lanes on the highway to create a smoother ride for commuters and other travelers.

Since the opening of the new lanes in October 2015, the project has helped improve traffic flow in these growing communities.

The I-215 Central Project is one of several large transportation projects provided streamlined environmental permitting through the MSHCP. The $123.5 million project created more than 2,200 jobs as the region recovered from the Great Recession.