Interstates 15 To Close Nightly In Southwest RivCo: What To Know

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Work on the French Valley Parkway Phase II improvement project was slated to continue this week, resulting in multiple overnight closures on the I-15 and I-215 through Temecula and Murrieta. City officials anticipate these closures could affect all nighttime drivers through Southwest Riverside County.

This is the second phase of a construction project designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve motorist safety on Interstates I-15 and I-215. Overnight shutdowns of both freeways are again planned ahead of the work, according to the city of Temecula. Work will take place between Winchester Road and the I-15/215 interchange.

Drivers in the area should expect both full closures and alternating lane closures starting Monday night through Thursday night, Temecula city officials reported. Detours will be available, according to the city.

The closures were scheduled from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in multiple locations, including:

• Northbound I-15 (Alternating Lane Closures) - one lane will always be open.
• Northbound I-215 (Alternating Lane Closures) - one lane will always be open.
• Winchester Road - northbound on-ramps (FULL CLOSURE, both ramps).
• I-15 at Murrieta Hot Springs -Off Ramp Full Closure.
• I-215 at Murrieta Hot Springs - Off Ramp Full Closure.

Detour signs will be provided to assist drivers who typically would exit or enter the freeways at these locations. However, heavy traffic was expected.

"Please plan accordingly and remember to reduce your speed in the work zone," a Temecula city spokesperson said.

The plan by the end of Phase III is to alleviate the pinch-point traffic and eliminate the "weaving and crisscrossing" that occurs as drivers approach the I-15/215 split, according to the city of Temecula. The result will be the addition of more lanes and a flyover bridge onto the northbound I-15 once Phase III is completed.