Ortega Highway 55-Hour Shutdown Starts Friday: What To Know

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Ortega Highway, SR-74, between Riverside and Orange County, will be fully shut down this weekend as part of the lane widening safety project, Caltrans reports. This is a $96.1 million project on the stretch of road from Lake Elsinore to San Juan Capistrano. Though the majority of the roadwork is slated nightly, Monday through Friday, this weekend, a total closure will be in place.

The 55-hour closure will run from Friday at 10 p.m. through Monday at 4 a.m., according to Cal Trans District 8 and the California Highway Patrol.

"Work area is S. Main Divide to Grand Avenue," a spokesperson for Caltrans said. "Residents of El Cariso Villae and west of S. Main Divide will be granted Orange County access only. Residents east of S. Main Divide to Grand Avenue will be granted Lake Elsinore access only." Resident access only will be permitted during the full closure, via a pilot car.

Drivers should expect delays, as there is no direct access between Orange County and Lake Elsinore during this closure, according to Caltrans. "Flagging may resume as needed from 4 to 5 a.m. on Monday morning," they said.

"Please remember to slow for the cone zone, be mindful of work along the route and take precaution in flagging zones," they said. "One-way traffic zones will be directed by flagging operations, and work operations may cause significant vibrations and construction noise in the area."

Use alternate routes of I-5, I-15, and SR-91 during the closure hours, and remember to follow the posted speed limit on routes near work areas. Drivers should adhere to the construction work zone speed limit reduction provisions.