Motorists were advised to plan ahead to avoid lengthy travel delays.
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The full westbound closure is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. Friday between the 15 Freeway and Lincoln Avenue, with all five lanes out of service until 5 a.m. Monday, according to the Riverside County Transportation Commission.
Four prior weekend shutdowns occurred in September, October and December. Only the December shutdown impacted westbound travel.
Officials said the current closure is required for ongoing operations connected to the $12.6 million "91 Refresh Project" and the $270 million "15/91 Express Lanes Connector Project." The latter involves erecting two new connector bridges to transition traffic from express lanes on the eastbound 91 to the northbound 15 Freeway, and from southbound 15 to the westbound 91.
New project will improve traffic flow at 71/91 freeway interchange in Corona
The connector project, which began in April 2021, is expected to be completed in months. This weekend, crews will be removing old support beams, according to RCTC.
The refresh project, which started last summer, entails resurfacing lanes, modifying retaining walls and repairing concrete barriers on both sides of the 91. Work is in the wrap-up stage, though completion has been delayed by inclement weather.
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A detour will be available this weekend, taking motorists to the westbound 60 Freeway via the15, after which they can return to Corona via the Corona Expressway, or proceed into Orange County via state Route 57.
Officials noted the westbound on- and off-ramps at Main Street, as well as the Lincoln exit ramp, will be closed within the roughly mile-long closure zone.
Operations may conclude before the scheduled time on Monday, depending on conditions.
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