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

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Nighttime drivers should plan for traffic slowdowns on the SR-91, the Riverside Freeway, at the La Sierra Avenue interchange this weekend.

Removal of the temporary bridge support for the La Sierra overpass will require the closure of all westbound 91 lanes as well as the eastbound high-occupancy vehicle and No. 1 lane from midnight, Friday, until 6 a.m., Saturday. On Saturday night, all lanes of eastbound 91 and the westbound HOV and No. 1 lane will close from midnight until 8 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 should be expected. All businesses 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 with six-lane bridges to reduce traffic congestion. 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.