LAKE ELSINORE – (INT) – Storm repairs on the Ortega Highway (Route 74) are complete and the vital commuter route over the Santa Ana Mountains is open.

Caltrans officials in Orange County announced the reopening late Wednesday morning.

The roadway just west of the Orange County line was undermined by the January rainstorms. Tests revealed that up to 30 feet under the pavement the soil and roadway materials became unstable and were not strong enough to support the road.

Caltrans removed the damaged soil and materials, then begin a grouting operation to fill in voids and strengthen the remaining soil and materials, and then rebuild the roadway.

Route 74, a major commuter link between Riverside and Orange counties, was closed January 25th when the beginnings of a sinkhole appeared.

Story Date: February 22, 2017