Full 55-Hour Closure Of Westbound 91 Freeway In Corona Begins Friday

CORONA, CA — During the last weekend of January, motorists are advised to avoid westbound state Route 91 in Corona or be prepared for heavy traffic delays due to a 55-hour shutdown.

All westbound lanes of the freeway — from Interstate 15 to Lincoln Avenue — will close from 10 p.m. Friday, January 27, to 5 a.m. Monday, January 30, the Riverside County Transportation Commission announced earlier this month.

According to the agency, the full closure is needed for crews to perform work on adjacent projects led by the RCTC: the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector and the 91 Refresh Project.

Work is being combined into one weekend closure for both projects to reduce the impact on drivers, residents and businesses, the RCTC announced.

During the closure weekend, crews for the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector project will be removing overhead support structures placed a year ago above the 91 to build the connector. At the same time, the 91 Refresh crews will continue repaving lanes on westbound freeway lanes — an area with a long history of roadway settlement between I-15 and Lincoln Avenue.

All westbound 91 lanes in the area will be closed, including the westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County. The westbound 91 Main Street onramp and offramp, the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue offramp, and the westbound 91 connectors from Interstate 15 will also be closed.

To reduce time stuck in traffic, drivers should steer clear of the closure area and use westbound Route 60 to southbound Route 71 or 57 as alternate routes.

Travelers also are advised to use Metrolink passenger rail as a travel alternative. Visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules, fares and other information.

Residents should expect traffic congestion on streets near the 91 and allow significant extra time to reach area businesses, which will be open during the weekend. Fire, police and ambulance services will have access for emergency response, according to the RCTC.

Drivers who need to reach Main Street in Corona should plan for delays and use these detours:

• From westbound 91, head north on I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.
• From northbound I-15, exit at Magnolia Avenue, head northeast on Magnolia, and then west on Sixth Street to Main Street.
• From southbound I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.

The westbound 91 Main Street ramps will be closed, so local traffic can use River Road or Railroad Street to Lincoln Avenue to enter westbound 91. Traffic likely will be heavy. Onramps at Maple Street and Auto Center Drive are other options for westbound travel, according to the RCTC.

Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors. If planned work cannot be completed the weekend of January 27-30, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible, according to the RCTC.