The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) launched a public performance dashboard on Wednesday, Sept. 30, showing how the I-15 Smart Freeway pilot is performing between Temecula and Murrieta.

The updated online Smart Room tracks vehicle throughput and travel times on the northbound I-15 between the Riverside/San Diego County line in Temecula and the I-15/I-215 interchange in Murrieta. Commuters who use that corridor can check the data at Smartfreeway.org.

The metrics cover the 8-mile stretch where RCTC activated California's first Smart Freeway system on June 1. Roadside sensors monitor traffic conditions, while coordinated ramp meters at Temecula Parkway, Rancho California Road and Winchester Road adjust the flow of vehicles entering the freeway. Digital message signs display recommended speeds in real time.

RCTC said it will add more performance indicators as the commission gathers data over the two-year pilot period, which runs through June 2028. The dashboard includes a glossary explaining the metrics and how to read them.

The data is free and public.

The Smart Room also includes frequently asked questions, project updates and videos explaining how the system works, according to RCTC.

The $33 million project was funded by $27 million in federal money, $1 million from the state and $5 million from a congressional Community Project Funding request by Rep. Ken Calvert, according to RCTC's activation announcement in June.

When the system launched, then-RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory said the pilot offered a practical alternative to building new lanes. "Building our way out of traffic congestion is not an option," Gregory said in RCTC's June 8 announcement. "In today's environment of rapid growth, we must look at how we can combine technology with existing infrastructure to improve the driving experience."

Drivers may wait slightly longer at metered on-ramps, but RCTC said the goal is to improve overall freeway travel times. If the pilot proves successful, the commission said it may expand the system to other parts of Riverside County.

Residents can view the dashboard and explore the Smart Room at Smartfreeway.org.