Transportation Scenarios
Step-by-step guidance for getting involved in real transportation decisions
Every transportation project is different, but the process for getting involved follows similar patterns. Choose a scenario below to learn who to contact, what information to gather, when to get involved, and what questions to ask. This guidance is based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's Every Place Counts Leadership Academy Toolkit and adapted for the Inland Empire.
Roads & Highways
Street improvements, highway expansions, intersection safety, and complete streets projects
Road projects affect every community in the Inland Empire. Whether it is a neighborhood street getting repaved, a dangerous intersection being redesigned, or a highway expansion changing traffic patterns, you have the right to participate in these decisions. Road projects typically move through all five steps of the transportation process: Plan, Fund, Design, Build, and Maintain. The earlier you get involved, the more influence you have over the outcome.
When to Get Involved
Planning Phase
Attend Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) meetings at SCAG. Review your city's General Plan transportation element. Submit comments during public review periods.
Funding Phase
Advocate for your project at RCTC or SBCTA board meetings. Support local transportation ballot measures. Help your city apply for SS4A or BUILD grants.
Design Phase
Attend design workshops and charrettes. Review and comment on design alternatives. Push for complete streets features: sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, lighting.
Construction Phase
Stay informed about detours and timelines. Report construction issues to the project manager. Attend community update meetings.
What Information to Gather
Crash data for the road or intersection (available from your city or Caltrans)
Traffic volume counts and speed studies
Photos and documentation of current conditions (potholes, missing sidewalks, poor lighting)
Community petition or letters of support from neighbors
Relevant sections of your city's General Plan or Active Transportation Plan
Environmental justice data for the affected area (demographics, health data, pollution exposure)
Questions to Ask
What alternatives were considered, and why was this design chosen?
How will this project affect pedestrian and cyclist safety?
What is the environmental impact assessment showing?
How will construction affect local businesses and residents?
What is the timeline and budget, and how will cost overruns be handled?
Will this project include complete streets elements (sidewalks, bike lanes, transit stops)?
How does this project address equity for underserved communities?
Who to Contact in the IE
Your City Public Works
Local streets and neighborhood roads
IE Examples
- I-10 Corridor improvements through San Bernardino and Ontario
- SR-91/I-15 interchange reconstruction in Corona and Riverside
- University Avenue Complete Streets project in Riverside
- Foothill Boulevard improvements in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana
This guidance is adapted from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Every Place Counts Leadership Academy Transportation Toolkit, Part 3: Common Transportation Scenarios. Learn more at transportation.gov/LeadershipAcademy