Weekend 91 Freeway closures cause heavy traffic in Inland Empire

CBS News Los Angeles reported that a significant construction project on the 91 Freeway caused weekend-long lane closures, reducing eastbound lanes from seven to three. This resulted in heavy traffic congestion stretching from State Route 241 in Orange County to Green River Road in Corona.

The closures are part of a $6 million, 55-hour Caltrans project to replace a culvert under the freeway. The work aims to improve drainage and provide safe wildlife passage through the canyon.

Drivers experienced extreme delays, with some reporting travel times increasing from a typical 10-minute drive to up to two hours. Many residents expressed frustration and had to seek alternate routes or cancel plans to avoid the traffic.

Caltrans advised motorists to use the 57 Freeway or Carbon Canyon as detours during the closures. The project is expected to continue next weekend, again impacting drivers in the Inland Empire area.