UPDATED: Ortega Highway to Shut Down this Weekend

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. Locations for road closure stations have been moved. Please see updated information below:

Eastbound traffic from Orange County will not be allowed past the lower San Juan Fire Station and motorists will be turned around at this point. Homes, businesses, parks and camps west of this closure will have full access from Orange County. There will be no direct travel to this area from Riverside County.

Westbound traffic from Riverside County will be allowed to proceed only as far as Ortega Oaks Candy Store, and all vehicles must turn around at this point. Homes, businesses, parks and camps east of this closure will have full access from Riverside County. There will be no direct way to travel to this point from Orange County.

Caltrans takes the safety of the public, employees, and contractors 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 establish a safety zone for 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