Community Corner

Ortega Highway Reopens; Repairs to Continue

The section of Highway 74 had been closed since the Falls Fire broke out Monday, Aug. 5 near Lake Elsinore, damaging the roadway that connects Riverside County to Orange County.

The Ortega Highway reopened as of 6 p.m. Monday, California Highway Patrol announced in a news release.

The section of Highway 74 had been closed to commuters since the Falls Fire broke out Monday, Aug. 5 near Lake Elsinore, damaging the roadway that connects Riverside County to Orange County.

Caltrans has finished guardrail installation ahead of schedule, and has opened the Ortega Highway for unrestricted access to all traffic through 8 a.m. Tuesday.

However, the route will be subject to one-way traffic control between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily for all commuters until the repairs are complete, according to CHP Temecula area Officer Nathan Baer.

"For the next several days, Caltrans will be completing ongoing roadway maintenance and related repairs therefore, motorists should exercise due caution, reduce their speed and be vigilant of personnel working on the roadway. 

"Motorists should expect to see CHP patrolling SR-74 for the next several days.  We thank you for your patience."

Read more about the required repairs by visiting Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch.


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