Plan to widen Valley Boulevard approved by commission

A long-term plan for the widening of Valley Boulevard in west Menifee was approved by the Planning Commission on Wednesday.

The project will widen the road from two lanes to four lanes from Murrieta Road to Chambers Avenue and will close two “missing link” gaps – the largest being vacant land at the base of a hill north of McCall Boulevard.

In addition to the installation of raised medians, the project will include turn lanes and seven new traffic signals at major intersections. It will also include sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of the roadway and block walls to protect the privacy of adjacent homes.

“The purpose of the project is to improve conditions along Valley Boulevard in an effort to mitigate existing and future traffic issues,” according to the staff report presented at Wednesday’s meeting.

So far, only $3.5 million of the estimated $13.9 million cost of the project has been funded. In addition, right of way must still be acquired near the Eastern Municipal Water District treatment facility near Murrieta Road and the other “missing link” land north of McCall Boulevard.

Nick Fidler, public works director, told commissioners the project is being brought forward for approval at this time to put it in better position to be eligible for future funding sources. He estimates the project will be “shovel ready” by September 2024.