California State Route 91 - Future

Future

Evaluations were made about the feasibility of constructing two tunnels through the Santa Ana Mountain Range which could carry 72,000 cars per day and allow for a commuter rail service between Corona and Irvine. The financial and technical evaluations found that in the current financial environment, building the tunnels would not be financially or technologically feasible. Additional study of the Irvine Corona Expressway tunnel project has been deferred until such time as financial considerations improve and/or technological advancements warrant reexamination. If built, the Ivine-Corona Expressway would follow a similar route to the 91 Freeway and is designed to reduce the growing traffic congestion on SR 91 that prompted the construction of the 91 Express Lanes. If completed, the Irvine-Corona Expressway is projected to be the longest traffic tunnel in North America, approximately 11.5 miles. One tunnel would be a reversible two lane freeway for autos and trucks, the direction reversed based on time of day. It would carry westbound traffic in the morning hours, and eastbound traffic during the afternoon/ early evening hours. The second tunnel would be slated exclusively for light rail commuter train service.

Numerous other projects are currently underway or in the planning phases for distant completion, some as far out as the year 2030. They can be found listed here and explained in the official implementation plan.