I-15 Nightmare Near Temecula: Southbound Traffic At A Crawl For Hours

TEMECULA, CA -- Traffic headed southbound from Temecula into the San Diego area Monday afternoon was at a near complete standstill for several hours, following the closure of multiple lanes due to a fire in Rainbow.

As of 2:45 p.m., traffic was backed up past Rancho California Road. Traffic was so bad headed south, that cars were spotted turning around illegally to get to the northbound lanes via a break in the center divider. Patch also spotted several vehicles attempting to use the right shoulder to escape the mess — many of whom were promptly pulled over by CHP units in the area.

According to the California Highway Patrol, two of the four freeway lanes were closed. Caltrans officials said on Twitter that those lanes would remain closed for much of the day.

Update: The two right lanes of SB I-15 south of Rainbow Valley will remain closed through the evening commute . #SDCaltransAlert
— Caltrans San Diego (@SDCaltrans) July 10, 2017

The lanes eventually reopened around 5 p.m., but the residual traffic continued to last for some time after.

Update: All lanes open on SB I-15 at Rainbow Valley.
— Caltrans San Diego (@SDCaltrans) July 11, 2017

Did YOU get stuck in the traffic Monday? Let us know in the comments!

Read more on the fire here:

Brush Fire Breaks Out Along I-15 In Rainbow

SEE ALSO:

• Fiery Temecula Crash Reported After Vehicle Goes Into Local House

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Patch photo looking at the I-15 southbound in Rainbow area by Renee Schiavone