UPDATED: CHP Reopens Ortega Highway to Residents Only on Limited Schedule

Updated at 12:35 p.m. Aug. 9: The Ortega Highway remains closed due to the Falls Fire, but California Highway Patrol announced its schedule for providing escorts for residents who live off Highway 74.

Mountain residents with a valid ID may access their homes with a CHP escort, according to CHP Temecula area Capt. Ernie Sanchez. 

Five cars at a time will be permitted through, Sanchez told Patch.

The following is the schedule for CHP escort; residents will only be allowed access at these times:

5:30 - 07:30 a.m.

11 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

5-7:30 p.m.

The roadway has been closed since Aug. 5 due to damage to the state route caused by the Falls Fire.

According to an announcement Friday from the CHP, accommodations are in place to allow all necessary deliveries including: commercial goods (food
products), United States Postal Service mail deliveries and school bus transportation services.

Westbound lanes of the Ortega are closed at Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore, and eastbound lanes are closed at South Main Divide.

The closure is expected to remain in place through Aug. 20.