Rendering of the proposed Franklin Street Bridge design. (Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Transportation Commission)
The Riverside County Transportation Commission is asking Lake Elsinore residents to take a survey about the proposed design of the new Franklin Street Bridge.
The survey is open through Wednesday, Sept. 30, and can be found here. RCTC, the City of Lake Elsinore, Caltrans and the Western Riverside Council of Governments are working on the bridge’s design as part of the Interstate 15 Franklin Street Interchange project.
The proposed bridge design would feature a fence with a repeating colored diamond pattern inspired by the nearby Grunder Drive Bridge and using the colors from the city’s logo.
Rendering of the proposed Franklin Street Bridge design. (Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Transportation Commission)
The bridge also would have dual globe light standards with black decorative poles. RCTC said the lighting would continue a style being introduced along Main Street and downtown.
A red brick formliner is proposed for the bridge barrier as a reference to Pacific Clay Products, a local brick manufacturer with longstanding roots in the area. The same treatment would be used on decorative bridge pedestals.
The pedestals would display the Lake Elsinore city logo on both sides, with uplighting to highlight the logo.
Rendering of the proposed Franklin Street Bridge design. (Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Transportation Commission)
According to RCTC, the proposed design is intended to be simple and timeless while using elements that connect it to other bridges and streetscape improvements in Lake Elsinore. The Franklin Street Bridge would have its own design rather than duplicate the nearby Grunder Drive Bridge.
The bridge is part of the planned I-15 Franklin Street Interchange Project, which includes environmental clearance, design and construction of a new full-access interchange in Lake Elsinore.
The project includes a new four-lane overcrossing at Franklin Street, new on and off ramps, auxiliary lanes and modifications to I-15 to support the interchange.
RCTC said the project is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times. The new auxiliary lanes would help reduce traffic backups. The project also is designed to accommodate projected future traffic and improve the operation of the interchange and surrounding streets.
The project is currently in the preconstruction phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029 and the interchange is expected to open in 2031, depending on funding, according to RCTC. RCTC lists a $12.5 million investment for final design.
For more information about the project, visit RCTC’s Franklin Street Interchange Project page.
