Is your daily drive on SR 71 or SR 91 finally feeling smoother? If you live in Chino Hills or you are shopping here, the new 71/91 connection is a big deal for your time, stress, and long-term home value. Commute reliability is a major factor for many buyers, especially those heading to Orange County, Corona, or Riverside. In this guide, you’ll learn what changed at the interchange, how it could influence demand in Chino Hills, and smart steps to take whether you plan to buy or sell. Let’s dive in.
What changed at 71/91
The SR 91 and SR 71 Interchange Improvement Project replaced the old single-lane loop from eastbound 91 to northbound 71 with a two-lane direct flyover and added an eastbound 91 auxiliary lane. Crews also realigned the Green River on-ramp and the southbound 71 approach to make room for the new connector, which includes a 2,500-foot bridge. According to the project owner, the Riverside County Transportation Commission, the connector opened to traffic on June 23, 2025 after construction that began in early 2023. The project’s goals include improving traffic flow and safety, access to other modes, and regional connectivity among Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties (project overview).
Why it matters in Chino Hills
SR 71 is the main north–south route through Chino Hills, so a fix at the 71/91 bottleneck affects your commute options and reliability. Chino Hills residents have longer-than-average commutes and a high share of drive-alone trips, which makes interchange reliability a real quality-of-life factor (DataUSA commute profile). If you split time between home and offices in Orange County or Riverside, a smoother 71/91 connection can widen your realistic search area within Chino Hills.
Local access touchpoints
You will feel the biggest change if you use on- and off-ramps near Butterfield Ranch Road, Euclid Avenue, and Green River Road. These locations funnel local drivers toward the improved movement between eastbound 91 and northbound 71.
Short-term effects you likely felt
During construction in 2023–2025, the region saw scheduled night and weekend closures with detours that sometimes pushed traffic to surface streets. One example was a full closure of southbound 71 announced for the weekend of August 16–19, 2024 (RCTC closure notice). Local media also covered periodic shutdowns and delays that affected Chino Hills drivers (NBC Los Angeles coverage). Now that the connector is open, those disruptions are behind you, and the conversation shifts to long-term benefits.
Long-term benefits to watch
The new two-lane flyover removes a known choke point where eastbound 91 traffic merged onto northbound 71. Agencies expect improved flow and more reliable travel times for commuters and freight along this corridor (RCTC project summary). Exact minute-by-minute savings depend on your origin, destination, and time of day, but projects like this typically reduce peak bottleneck delays. Freight reliability on SR 91 also matters because it supports regional jobs and logistics performance across the Inland Empire (FHWA SR 91 context).
What it could mean for home values
Research shows a clear pattern: when access and travel reliability improve, homes that benefit from that access often see stronger demand and price support. At the same time, properties immediately next to busy freeways can face noise or air-quality tradeoffs that offset gains. In short, benefits are location-specific and can vary by distance from the corridor (highway impacts on housing values).
Who stands to benefit most:
- Orange County commuters who use 71 to reach SR 91 or 241/261 connectors.
- Riverside and Corona workers who value reliable access to job centers and logistics hubs.
- Hybrid workers who only need a few reliable peak trips each week but still want Chino Hills amenities.
Buyer checklist: make the commute work for you
- Test-drive your route during peak hours to measure your real travel time and reliability before you write an offer.
- Visit the property morning and evening to gauge traffic noise and airflow conditions near the corridor.
- Ask about any recent signal timing or local street updates that affect your nearest on-ramp.
- Compare similar homes a bit farther from the freeway to understand the accessibility premium versus proximity tradeoffs.
Seller playbook: highlight reliability, not just proximity
- Lead with benefits that many buyers value now: quicker on-ramp access and more predictable trips to major job centers.
- Tailor your message. Some buyers love quick freeway access, while others prefer quieter interior streets.
- Upgrade presentation. Professional photos, video, and clear commute callouts help your listing stand out.
- If timing matters, consider a short, strategic listing window or a cash offer with a flexible leaseback to align your sale with your move.
The bottom line for Chino Hills
The 71/91 upgrade is a real shift for commuters who rely on SR 71. More reliable access tends to expand your buyer pool, especially among Orange County and Riverside commuters, which can support demand in the neighborhoods that gain the most from the new connector. Results will vary by micro-location, so weigh access gains against any immediate proximity tradeoffs for your property.
Ready to align your move with the new commute reality? Connect with Jen Gesick to craft a plan that fits your timing, pricing, and presentation goals.
FAQs
What changed at the 71/91 interchange and when?
- The old single-lane loop from eastbound 91 to northbound 71 was replaced with a two-lane direct flyover, an eastbound 91 auxiliary lane, and ramp realignments; the connector opened June 23, 2025, per the project owner (RCTC project summary).
Will the upgrade shorten my commute from Chino Hills?
- It is designed to reduce a major bottleneck and improve reliability; actual savings depend on your route and time of day, so test your typical commute now that the connector is open.
Will Chino Hills home values rise because of the new connector?
- Access improvements often support demand and prices for homes that benefit from better reliability, but properties very close to freeways can see offsetting noise or air impacts; results vary by distance and neighborhood context (evidence from housing studies).
Should I market proximity to the new ramp when selling?
- Yes, if your likely buyers value commute reliability; balance that by highlighting quiet spaces and lifestyle features for buyers who are sensitive to proximity.
Which parts of Chino Hills feel the biggest day-to-day change?
- Areas that use access points near Butterfield Ranch Road, Euclid Avenue, and Green River Road often feel the most direct benefit because they feed the improved eastbound 91 to northbound 71 movement.
