A project to expand one of Murrieta’s busiest traffic corridors will get underway next month, prompting advance warnings from city officials for motorists to be prepared for slower travel along the route.
“Residents have been asking for a safer and less congested Murrieta Hot Springs Road. This widening project will do just that but will take up to nine months to complete,” Mayor Cindy Warren said. “That’s why we are asking residents and visitors to pack their patience and, when possible, find an alternative route during this much needed capital improvement project.”
A nearly one-mile stretch of Murrieta Hot Springs is slated for expansion, from Highway 79 to the east to Margarita Road to the west.
The corridor will be widened from four to six lanes to relieve congestion, and the project will further include upgraded sidewalks, dedicated bicycle lanes, new street lights and a new traffic signal, officials said.
The Murrieta City Council selected El Centro-based Rove Engineering Inc. to handle the $15 million job, expected to begin before the end of August.
The work will generally run from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the day, with night shifts going from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“Traffic circulation on Murrieta Hot Springs will be impacted, with travel lanes expected to be reduced to one lane in each direction during nighttime operations, and three lanes — two westbound and one eastbound — during daytime operations,” according to a city statement. “No full street closures are anticipated for this project.”
It’s anticipated to conclude by the end of next spring.
Updates will be posted regularly at www.MurrietaCA.gov/mhsr.