Heading To Idyllwild? Expect Traffic Delays

IDYLLWILD, CA — A culvert replacement project along Highway 243 through Idyllwild was underway Monday and is scheduled to continue all week, causing prolonged traffic disruptions that officials said motorists can avoid by taking alternate routes.

According to Caltrans, crews are working to dig and replace drainage channels in the area of Saunders Meadows Road, at the south edge of Idyllwild, and the operation will require flagging on the north- and southbound sides of the two-lane corridor, moving vehicles into one lane going in both directions at different intervals.

Caltrans District 8 spokeswoman Terri Kasinga said that the work is planned from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, starting Monday and ending Friday.

"Motorists are advised to use alternate routes when possible to avoid up to 30-minute delays for flagging," Kasinga said.

The mountain highway is the only route by which drivers can reach Idyllwild and Pine Cove, coming from Interstate 10 in the Banning Pass on the north end and Highway 74 through Mountain Center at the south end.

More information is available at www.dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district 8.