The Point: Closure will allow crews to perform work for two projects in one weekend to lessen impacts to drivers
Steer clear of westbound 91 in Corona or be prepared for heavy traffic delays, due to an upcoming weekend closure of all lanes on westbound 91 from Interstate 15 to Lincoln Avenue. The closure will start Friday, January 27 at 10 p.m. and continue to Monday, January 30 at 5 a.m.
The full closure is needed for crews to perform work on two adjacent RCTC projects, the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector and the 91 Refresh Project. Work is being combined into one weekend closure for both projects to reduce the impact to drivers, residents, and businesses.
During the weekend, crews for the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector will be removing the overhead support structures placed a year ago above the 91 to build the connector. At the same time, the 91 Refresh crews will continue repaving lanes on westbound 91, an area with a long history of roadway settlement between I-15 and Lincoln Avenue.
All westbound 91 lanes in this area will be closed including the westbound 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County. The westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp, the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, and the westbound 91 connectors from I-15 will also be closed.
To reduce time spent sitting in your car, steer clear of the closure area and use westbound 60 to southbound 71 or 57 as alternate routes. See regional detour map below. You also can catch a ride on Metrolink and skip driving altogether. Please visit metrolinktrains.com for schedules, fares, and other information.
If you must use streets near the closure area, please expect traffic congestion and allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Area businesses will be open the weekend of January 27-30. Fire, police, and ambulance services will have access for emergency response.
To reach Main Street in Corona, plan for delays and use the detours provided:
- From westbound 91, head north on I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.
- From northbound I-15, exit at Magnolia Avenue, head northeast on Magnolia, and then west on Sixth Street to Main Street.
- From southbound I-15, exit at Hidden Valley Parkway, and head west to Main Street.
The westbound 91 Main Street on-ramp and off-ramp will be closed, so local traffic can use River Road or Railroad Street to Lincoln Avenue to enter westbound 91. Traffic likely will be heavy. On-ramps at Maple Street and Auto Center Drive are other options for westbound travel.
Construction activity is subject to change due to weather or other factors. If the work cannot be completed the weekend of January 27-30, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Both projects are partnerships between RCTC and Caltrans. The 15/91 Express Lanes Connector is expected to open in late 2023. The 91 Refresh Project is anticipated to be completed this spring.
To register for construction updates, text CONNECTOR to 844-771-0995 and text 91REFRESH to 77222.
So, take time to start that DIY project, catch up on your favorite show, or start that book you’ve been meaning to read. It’s just not a good weekend to be driving on westbound 91 in the Corona area or other points east and west.
Thank you and remember to steer clear, stay safe, and tell friends and neighbors about the closure.