Line for COVID tests creates traffic problems at Kaiser

An increase in reported cases of COVID-19 and requirements of negative tests for employees and travelers has resulted in traffic congestion on the streets surrounding the Kaiser Permanente facility in Murrieta.

Motorists waiting for the drive-through tests line up along the curb leading out of the parking lot, east on Keller Road, and north on Mapleton Avenue. That increased traffic, along with the normal flow of traffic of patients attempting to turn into the facility from Antelope Road and Keller Road, has prompted a response from the Murrieta Police Department.

According to a Facebook post, teams from Murrieta PD and the City of Murrieta Public Works Department are working with Kaiser to address the traffic issues. A temporary 3-way stop sign has been placed at Antelope Road and Mapleton Avenue. In addition, the traffic signal at Antelope and Keller roads has been set to flashing/yield mode in order to slow down vehicles driving on Antelope Road.

The southbound left-turn lane on Antelope Road has been closed off for eastbound Keller with cones. The City is also placing information signs in the area to warn drivers of possible upcoming traffic congestion.

Murrieta Police Department will continue to patrol the area and monitor traffic. This demand will likely continue for the upcoming weeks, according to the Facebook posting.

Motorists waiting in line to receive the drive-through tests in the Kaiser parking lot have reported waits of more than three hours.