Closure of eastbound Interstate 91 causes significant weekend traffic problems for drivers heading from Orange County to the Inland Empire

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — There is a major traffic problem for drivers heading from Orange County to the Inland Empire this weekend.

Eastbound Interstate 91 is down to three lanes near Corona, forcing drivers to face serious delays.

The closure is part of a construction project in the area between Anaheim Hills and Corona.

While traffic seemed smooth early Sunday morning, significant delays impacted drivers Saturday evening.

Some drivers told Eyewitness News they were stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours. Longer delays were expected during rush hour on Sunday.

Caltrans has reduced the already busy seven-lane eastbound 91 Freeway to just three lanes between 241 and Green River Road. It’s all part of a planned 55-hour closure to replace a culvert, which helps channel water under the highway.

Some drivers reported that fewer than three lanes were open at times, despite what Caltrans told motorists to expect.

The closure began Friday evening.

Traffic on the highway spilled onto surface streets in nearby neighborhoods Saturday as drivers tried to find other ways around.

“They closed the express lane that people pay for, the FasTrak,” said Christian Evans of Eastvale. “So if we have to pay for that out of pocket and we can’t even use that highway, that’s too bad.”

“It’s annoying and frustrating,” said Jetino Marks of Corona. “Because there’s no other way around it. We’ve studied alternative routes, and no matter what we’ve tried, there’s only one route. You can only take one path.”

Caltrans suggests drivers use Highway 57 to 60 or Carbon Canyon as an alternate route.

The closure ends at 5 a.m. Monday, but the same restrictions return next weekend, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead.