Ortega Highway Drivetime Woes Plague Commuters

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Ortega Highway was a precarious drive on Thursday afternoon as several rock and mudslides slowed drivers to a crawl. Rocks and mud slid down the steep hills and into lanes, causing slower than normal traffic for drivers, followed with reports of a downed tree, blocking eastbound traffic near Nicholas Institute Road.

Rockslides were also reported on the eastbound lanes of Ortega, approximately 16 miles out of the county.

A SIGAlert was briefly issued to conduct cleanup efforts of rocks and debris in the westbound roadway at mile marker 14, California Highway Patrol said. That alert was cancelled by 5 p.m.

One traffic collision has occurred due to rocks in the road, CHP reported. According to reports, a gray Ford Ranger collided with rocks while driving over a narrow bridge, and sustained damage.

Drivers should use caution in the area, CHP warned.

CHP and CalTrans workers monitored the Ortega Highway during Thursday's storm running sweepers throughout the day to remove rocks from the roadway due to rain, they said.

This is a developing report. Refresh for more information.