Ortega Highway To Close For The Weekend: What To Know

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Road work will spur the closure of State Route 74 this weekend, officials said.

The route, otherwise known as Ortega Highway, stretches from Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County to the city limits of Palm Desert in Riverside County.

The state's transportation department will continue to work on a $4.24 million project at Morrill Canyon Bridge, just east of the Riverside County line between Ortega Oaks Candy Store and Eneaja Truck Trail, according to Caltrans District 8.

A full route closure is scheduled from Friday through Monday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Caltrans said. The agency is urging drivers to use alternate routes such as SR-91, I-15 and I-5.

Crews will work in various locations throughout the project zone, spurring weeknight and weekend closures.

Workers will perform k-rail installation, structure work, HMA paving, excavation, abutment and various other activities, Caltrans said.

"Crews will work to complete work operations by Sunday 3/23, however weather or material delays may require extending timeframe to early Monday. Work operations on bridge profile approach will occur," according to the agency.