Traffic Delays to Continue on Jefferson Ave. Near City Hall

Motorists can expect delays on Jefferson Avenue near for the time being.

The roadway is being widened to accommodate the Olivewood shopping center under construction on the southeast corner of Kalmia and Jefferson Avenue, said Pat Thomas, city of Murrieta engineer and public works director.

During construction, traffic has been reduced to one lane heading north on Jefferson.

"The traffic signal at (the) City Hall entrance is flashing red due to the lane closure as well," Thomas said in an email to Patch. "We are working with the developer to complete this as soon as possible, but (the) latest estimate is final paving/striping will be at least a few more weeks."

According to Thomas, when the shopping center is complete, there will be room for three lanes heading north along with a right turn lane. Then since Jefferson is not widened north side of Kalmia, it will only be striped for two lanes heading north, he said.

Olivewood is a 50,000-square-foot retail and professional center being developed by Oak Grove Equities of Murrieta. It will house a market, restaurant, various retailers and some professional space.