Lengthy I-15 Onramp Closure, A Traffic Nightmare For SWR Drivers

TEMECULA, CA — The northbound I-15 freeway onramp at Temecula Parkway is closed and will remain closed for a period of time, the California Highway Patrol reminds drivers.

According to the Riverside County Transportation Commission and the City of Temecula, the on-ramp's closure is part of a larger "smart freeway" project expected to relieve traffic congestion at this pinch-point in Southwest Riverside County traffic.

During the closure, which went into effect on May 11, officials advised drivers to travel west on Temecula Parkway, northbound on Old Town Front Street, east on Santiago Road, north on Ynez Road, and west on Rancho California Road to enter northbound I-15.

Closure dates are subject to change due to weather, site conditions, construction progress, and other factors.

While the on-ramp is closed, crews will work to demolish and reconstruct portions to accommodate an additional lane for the I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project, a spokesperson from the Riverside County Transportation Commission said.

Meanwhile, at 9:30 a.m. Monday morning, some Temecula commuters, frustrated by traffic on Temecula Parkway near the I-15 Freeway, contacted the California Highway Patrol to ask what the closure was all about.

"This onramp will be closed 24 /7," CHP responded. All details can be found at www.RCTC.org/TemeculaClosures.

Others took to social media to ask questions and air grievances about the closure of the northbound freeway onramp.

Monday morning was the first time commuters dealt with the onramp's closure, and many said over social media that they were unprepared. Still, other social commentators have stated that the advanced notices helped them plan alternate routes to the I-15 northbound freeway.

Read also:

Temecula's I-15 On-Ramp Closure Begins This Weekend: What To Know