Rock, Mudslides Prompt Temporary Ortega Highway Closure

UPDATE 5 P.M.: The California Highway Patrol reports the Ortega Highway is now open.

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LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Rock and mudslides along a busy thoroughfare that connects Riverside and Orange counties have prompted officials to close the road. State Route 74, also known as the Ortega Highway, was closed to traffic just before 2 p.m.

According to CHP Officer Mike Lassig, the highway will be closed for at least four hours "due to rock and mud slides causing scattered debris in the roadway."

Caltrans crews are at the scene working to clear the roadway, which was closed on the Riverside County side just west of Grand Avenue. On the Orange County side, it was closed at Nicholas Road.

"The CHP would like to remind all motorist to reduce speeds on the wet roadways, always wear your seatbelt, if the roadway is flooded then please don’t risk traveling through it, find another route," Lassig said.

SEE ALSO: SR-243 Washed Away In Torrential Rains: PHOTOS

SEE ALSO: Dangerous Temecula Road Conditions: Rescues, Closures Underway

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone