Ortega Highway Closure Expected Through Aug. 20

Construction crews have begun emergency work to repair damage to the Ortega Highway from the Falls Fire, Caltrans officials said Thursday.

Officials met at 6 a.m. to discuss a construction timetable, then rebuilding commenced, according to a Caltrans announcement. 

The meeting came a day after Corona-based Beador Construction was awarded a $1.7-million contract to replace:

2,000 feet of striping
14,000 feet of guardrail
25 signs
15 signposts
1,000 feet of asphalt diking 
150 reflective delineators
200 recessed reflective markers

Crews will be working 12-hour shifts, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the announcement. 

The California Highway Patrol will continue escorts during established hours for local residents only until the guardrail is completely replaced. Other commuters must continue to use alternate routes. The roadway is currently closed between the South Main Divide in Orange County and Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore. Click here for the CHP escort schedule.

Caltrans anticipates one-way traffic control will begin for all commuters once the guardrail installation is complete in an estimated 12 days. 

"The contractor is working diligently to reduce this time frame," the announcement said.