Caltrans: Ortega Highway to be closed 2-3 weeks

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol announced Wednesday that the stretch of Highway 74 known as Ortega Highway will be closed for two to three weeks, effectively immediately. Crews inspecting the road discovered dangerous cracks in the pavement and a sinkhole about a half-mile from Gibby Road.

Because of the sinking roadway, Ortega Highway will be closed from Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore to Antonio Parkway, about 4 miles east of Interstate 5 in Orange County.

Only verified residents will be allowed to enter the highway, but not near the repair location. The CHP urges motorists who travel from the Inland Empire to Orange County on Highway 74 to plan ahead and select alternative methods of travel.