Riverside’s 60-91-215 interchange may be named after Joseph Tavaglione

By David Downey

A name long associated with transportation in the Inland region may soon be on a sign announcing commuters’ approach to the complex 60-91-215 interchange near downtown Riverside.

A state senator is carrying legislation that would name the interchange in honor of Joseph Tavaglione, a longtime Riverside businessman who has repeatedly pushed for major transportation projects. Since 2002, he has served on the California Transportation Commission.

The bill is expected to be taken up by a legislative committee in May.

“Joseph Tavaglione is a true, level-headed visionary of California’s transportation future, and has been pivotal to construction projects across Riverside County and all of California,” Sen. Richard Roth, D-Riverside, said in an email.

“More than that, he is one of this state’s most well-respected transportation advocates, proven by his appointment to the California Transportation Commission by not just one governor, but three,” Roth said.

Riverside County Supervisors Chairman Chuck Washington wrote an April 2 letter to Roth expressing support for the proposal. The county Board of Supervisors is set to consider endorsing that letter Tuesday, April 24.

According to Roth’s bill, Tavaglione is president of Tavaglione Construction and Development, a family-owned business in Riverside he started in 1960 with his younger brother, Louie.

Tavaglione was first appointed to the state panel by Gov. Gray Davis. He was reappointed several times by Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. His current term runs through January 2021.

A major crossroads of the Inland Empire, the interchange underwent a huge makeover last decade. It was completed at the end of 2008, 23 months later than originally expected and 40 percent over the initial budget.