Riverside, CA prepares for SR-91 lane closures this weekend

Nighttime drivers should plan for traffic slowdowns on the SR-91 at the La Sierra Avenue interchange this weekend.

Construction of temporary bridge support for the La Sierra overpass will require the closure of all westbound 91 lanes as well as eastbound HOV lane from 11 p.m., Friday, until 5 a.m., Saturday. On Saturday night, all lanes of eastbound 91 and the westbound HOV will close from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m., Sunday.

During the closures, traffic will be detoured off the freeway onto the La Sierra Avenue exit and then immediately back onto 91 using the on-ramp. California Highway Patrol and Freeway Service Patrol will be there to assist and ease congestion.

La Sierra Avenue over the freeway will remain open during construction, although delays are expected. All businesses will remain accessible. Drivers should use alternate routes, such as Pierce, Magnolia or Tyler Streets, during the closures.

The $38 million project will replace the La Sierra Avenue bridges over both the freeway and the railroad tracks. New six-lane bridges across the freeway and railroad tracks will reduce traffic congestion on La Sierra. New dual left-turn lanes onto the freeway will make it easier for vehicles to access the 91, while ramps will be widened from two to three lanes.

The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2009.