Beaumont secures funding for Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange amid ongoing development challenges

The City Council of Calimesa held a special meeting on March 26, 2025, focusing on the ongoing development of the Cherry Valley Boulevard interchange. This project has been in progress since February 2018 and is crucial for improving traffic flow in the area, particularly for residents of Beaumont who frequently use the interchange.

During the meeting, officials discussed the funding sources for the interchange, which has a total estimated cost of $75 million. A significant portion of the funding comes from a settlement agreement related to Beaumont's exit from the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) dump program. As part of this settlement, $2.1 million has been allocated to the interchange, although some council members expressed concerns that this amount does not reflect a fair share given the number of Beaumont residents who rely on the interchange.

Additionally, the council highlighted a $1 million contribution from the Sunny Cal project in Beaumont, which was challenged on environmental grounds. This funding is intended to support the interchange's development.

The discussions underscored the importance of securing adequate funding for the interchange to ensure its timely completion and to address the growing traffic needs of the community. The council plans to continue exploring additional funding opportunities to support this vital infrastructure project.