Construction on the Mckinley Street bridge project in Corona will necessitate a weekend closure of McKinley Street and overnight closures of 91 Freeway ramps, starting Friday, December 13th. These closures are essential for ongoing pavement work related to the McKinley Street Grade Separation Project.
Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, December 13th, McKinley Street will be fully closed until 5 a.m. on Monday, December 16th. This closure impacts McKinley Street from the 91 Freeway southbound to Magnolia Avenue, and Sampson Avenue at its intersection with McKinley Street.
Motorists should also be aware of overnight ramp closures affecting the 91 Freeway. The eastbound 91 Freeway off-ramp at McKinley Street and the westbound 91 Freeway’s McKinley Street south loop off-ramp will be closed during the following hours:
- Friday, December 13: 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday
- Saturday, December 14: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday
- Sunday, December 15: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday
This weekend’s work is a crucial part of the larger McKinley Street Grade Separation Project, a $120 million initiative aimed at significantly improving traffic flow in Corona. The project, which commenced in 2022 and is anticipated to conclude in early 2025, involves the construction of a 291-foot bridge featuring a distinctive blue arch. This new bridge will carry McKinley Street over the railroad tracks and the Arlington Channel, eliminating current at-grade crossings that contribute to traffic congestion and delays.
While McKinley Street is closed to both northbound and southbound traffic, access to westbound Sampson Avenue will remain available via a newly constructed ramp adjacent to the 91 Freeway’s eastbound off-ramp.
For drivers approaching from the west seeking to access McKinley Street south of the 91 Freeway, the recommended detour is to continue eastbound on the 91 Freeway, transition to the 15 Freeway southbound interchange, and exit at Magnolia Avenue. From there, turning left onto Magnolia Avenue will provide access to the desired area.
To reach McKinley Street north of the 91 Freeway from the west, drivers can follow the same initial detour: 91 Freeway eastbound, 15 Freeway southbound interchange, and exit at Magnolia Avenue. Then, turn left onto Magnolia Avenue and subsequently left onto Promenade Avenue to reach McKinley Street north of the freeway.
The city of Corona acknowledges the impact of these closures on local businesses, particularly during the busy Christmas shopping season. While businesses within retail plazas near the construction area will remain open, officials advise drivers to utilize the suggested detour routes to minimize disruptions. This weekend closure is expected to be the final major closure for the McKinley Street bridge project, according to city spokesperson Cindy Solis.
For the most up-to-date information and any further updates on the McKinley Street Grade Separation Project, please visit the official city project page: https://www.coronaca.gov/government/departments-divisions/public-works/construction-projects/mckinley-grade-separation.
