Menifee residents got their first opportunity to weigh in Tuesday on a proposed I-215 interchange at Garbani Road — a project aimed at improving traffic flow while connecting communities on both sides of the freeway.
Attendees spent the evening speaking with engineers and planners, studying maps and asking questions about traffic, construction, environmental impacts and how continued growth could affect the area. While many recognized the need for additional infrastructure as Menifee continues to grow, several also voiced concerns about preserving the community’s small-town character.
“There’s definitely been a lot of feedback,” Parsons Principal Project Engineer Ron Valdez said. “They made some valid points. They brought up some really enlightening inquiries that I myself also want to go back and have a chat with the team as well.”
The proposed project, a partnership between the City of Menifee and Caltrans, would construct a new interchange at Garbani Road and reconstruct Garbani Road to provide continuous travel across I-215. Plans also include widening portions of Garbani and Antelope roads and adding bicycle lanes, sidewalks and a regional trail.
According to project documents, the interchange is intended to improve traffic circulation between communities east and west of I-215, improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, reduce congestion at the Scott Road and Newport Road interchanges, and provide better access to Menifee’s planned Economic Development Corridor.
Officials are evaluating four alternatives: a no-build option that would leave the area as it is; a compact diamond interchange similar to the nearby McCall Boulevard interchange; a spread diamond interchange with a larger footprint and wider ramp spacing; and a diverging diamond interchange designed to reduce left-turn conflicts and improve traffic flow.
Nick Fidler, Menifee’s Public Works director, said the project is estimated to cost between $65 million and $75 million, with funding expected to come from a combination of Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) revenue, federal and state grants, developer impact fees, and other transportation funding sources.
As part of the environmental review, the project team will study potential impacts related to topics including traffic, air quality, biological resources, noise, water quality and cultural resources. Project documents identify Paloma Wash, increased vehicle miles traveled and tribal and cultural resources among the anticipated issues requiring additional study.
The project is currently in the public scoping phase of the environmental review process, with draft environmental documents expected in 2028 and construction anticipated to begin in 2028 or 2029.
Residents can submit comments through Aug. 17 by emailing I-215GarbaniRoadInterchange@dot.ca.gov, completing an online survey through the project webpage at menifee.ca.gov/garbani, or submitting a comment card as officials continue evaluating the alternatives before selecting a preferred design.
Project vicinity map provided by the City of Menifee
