Emergency I-15 Lane Closures In Wildomar Area Prompt Delays

WILDOMAR, CA — Caltrans officials have closed two of three southbound lanes on Interstate 15 in Wildomar on Monday afternoon, the agency says. The closures are necessary for crews to make some emergency slab repairs.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the defective slab was spotted shortly after 9 a.m. in the No. 3 lane of southbound I-15 at Clinton Keith Road. Officers closed the lane, and a SigAlert was issued due to the disruption.

Caltrans requested an emergency replacement of the slab by an on-call contractor, and the decision was made to close the No. 2 lane, as well, for public safety. Only the fast lane is open to southbound motorists between Lake Elsinore and Murrieta, according to Caltrans.

Initial estimates indicated the lanes would be back open at 3 p.m., but Caltrans later updated that timeframe — indicating motorists can expect some significant delays as the evening commute begins.

"SB I-15 will now be down to one lane for emergency slab repair from now until at least midnight," Caltrans said on Twitter Monday afternoon. "Delays will be lengthy as rush hour begins."

Drivers are encouraged to take Interstate 215 or SR-74 as an alternate route if possible.

— City News Service contributed to this report