Ortega Highway to Shut Down for 55 Hours This Weekend

Caltrans warns of delays as major safety project continues on key route between Riverside and Orange County

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:42pm

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The Ortega Highway, also known as State Route 74, will be fully closed from Friday at 10 p.m. through Monday at 4 a.m. as part of a $96.1 million lane widening and safety improvement project. Caltrans is advising drivers to use alternate routes like I-5, I-15, and SR-91 during the 55-hour closure, and to slow down and be cautious in any remaining work zones.

Why it matters

The Ortega Highway is a critical connector between Riverside and Orange County, and this extended closure will significantly impact travel between the two regions. The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow on this heavily used route, but the disruption will be felt by many commuters and travelers over the long holiday weekend.

The details

The full closure will run from the S. Main Divide to Grand Avenue, with residents of El Cariso Village and west of S. Main Divide granted Orange County access only, and residents east of S. Main Divide to Grand Avenue granted Lake Elsinore access only via a pilot car. Drivers should expect delays, as there will be no direct access between Orange County and Lake Elsinore during this time. Some flagging operations may resume from 4-5 a.m. on Monday morning.

  • The 55-hour closure will run from Friday, March 14, 2026 at 10 p.m. through Monday, March 17, 2026 at 4 a.m.
  • Flagging operations may resume from 4-5 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and improving the state's highway system.

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What they’re saying

“Work area is S. Main Divide to Grand Avenue. Residents of El Cariso Villae and west of S. Main Divide will be granted Orange County access only. Residents east of S. Main Divide to Grand Avenue will be granted Lake Elsinore access only.”

— Caltrans Spokesperson (Patch.com)

“Please remember to slow for the cone zone, be mindful of work along the route and take precaution in flagging zones. One-way traffic zones will be directed by flagging operations, and work operations may cause significant vibrations and construction noise in the area.”

— Caltrans (Patch.com)

What’s next

Caltrans has advised drivers to use alternate routes like I-5, I-15, and SR-91 during the 55-hour closure, and to follow posted speed limits and construction zone safety guidelines.

The takeaway

This extended closure of the Ortega Highway will significantly impact travel between Riverside and Orange County over the long holiday weekend, underscoring the importance of this key connector route and the need for ongoing infrastructure improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow.