Ortega Highway to Shut Down this Weekend

Originally posted at 4:47 p.m. March 12, 2014. Please see latest notice from Caltran here.

From a Caltrans press release:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced that due to recent rains, an emergency rock scaling operation is necessary on SR-74, Ortega Highway.

As a result, Ortega Highway will be closed in both directions for 48 hours, starting at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2014.  

Eastbound traffic will not be allowed past the closure at SR-74 and Antonio Parkway (La Pata) in Orange County. Local traffic, with appropriate identification, may be allowed access to their homes or work locations.  

Westbound traffic from Riverside County will not be allowed to proceed past the closure of SR-74 at Grand Avenue. Residents with proper identification will be allowed access to their homes.  

Caltrans takes the safety of employees, contractors and the public very seriously. An emergency Director’s Order states that this emergency rock scaling operation is required to ensure the safety of the public by removing large and unstable rocks and boulders from the hillsides surrounding Ortega Highway.

The complete closure of the highway is necessary to ensure the safety of our workers. We appreciate your patience and understanding while this project is being completed.  

To check current highway conditions throughout the state, please visit www.dot.ca.gov  You may also contact the District 12 Public Information Office at (949) 724-2000 or log on to the Caltrans website at www.dot.ca.gov/dist12