Temecula moves forward to relieve traffic congestion

The recent purchases of several key parcels – deals totaling $4.5 million that will force several businesses to move or close – have set the stage for Temecula to build the city’s fifth bridge over Murrieta Creek.

The purchases – which will result in the city razing three buildings – are crucial pieces in traffic circulation project that will cost nearly $20 million when Overland Drive is eventually extended across Murrieta Creek.

The project, where work is expected to begin in February or March, would become the fourth major traffic circulation improvement to be under...