Here’s the press release from Caltrans:
THIS WEEK’S CLOSURE NOTES
- Southbound I-5 between the I-5/SR-170 interchange and Sheldon Street will be closed intermittently at night through May 2014, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- Through June 2014, crews will be working on the I-5 median barrier between Van Nuys Boulevard and SR-118. The two lanes closest to the median in both directions will be closed when this work is underway, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Arleta — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to implement the closures listed below during the week of May 27-30, 2014, as part of a project that is constructing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes and a direct HOV lane connector at the I-5/SR-170 interchange. More information about the project is here.
Ramp closures will be nonconsecutive. Detours will be signed. Closures are subject to change.
Residents may hear some construction noise, but it will not exceed levels permitted by state and federal regulations.
Closure information for this and other freeway projects is available on the Caltrans website.
For real-time traffic information, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov, go511.com, or call 5-1-1.
Northbound I-5
Lanes
- Up to two lanes between SR-118 and SR-170: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Note: The most restrictive closures (i.e., the most lanes closed) will occur between midnight and 4 a.m.
Southbound I-5
Southbound I-5 between the I-5/SR-170 interchange and Sheldon Street will be closed intermittently at night through May 2014, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. A signed detour will direct motorists. Additional closures below.
Lanes
- Up to four lanes between SR-118 and SR-170: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Note: The most restrictive closures (i.e., the most lanes closed) will occur between midnight and 4 a.m.
Long-Term On-Ramp Closure
- Branford Street to southbound I-5 (opens October 2014)
About the Project
Caltrans is constructing an HOV lane in each direction on I-5 between the Hollywood Freeway (SR-170) and SR-118, a distance of 6.8 miles (3.4 miles in each direction). The project is also widening four undercrossings, replacing sections of pavement, and building a direct HOV connector at the I-5/SR-170 interchange. A direct HOV connector allows for freeway-to-freeway transfers without exiting the carpool lane.
This project will alleviate congestion, encourage carpooling, improve air quality, and provide a smoother ride for motorists. The work is part of Caltrans’ effort to provide motorists with a seamless carpool lane network in California. Work began in August 2010 and is on track for completion in late 2014. Funding administered by Metro.
For the safety of the construction crew and motorists, please be attentive to closures, slow for the cone zone, and move over one lane where possible.
Caltrans thanks motorists for their patience and understanding during construction. For more information, visit I-5info.com.
Categories: Transportation News
Mr. Dunn,
As a person who travels the 5 and 170 on a frequent enough basis (during working hours) to watch the project develop, I will offer a few observations.
First the flow of traffic from NB 170 to NB 5 has been drastically improved. The speed on the new bridge is much faster than before. The speed on all of the lanes on the NB 5 north of the 170 are vastly improved.
Second, I was assuming that they were going to keep the old bridge. But it looks like the rebuild is fixing some issues with height and alignment. Do you remember the truck that hit the sign across the freeway in that area? From my observation, it appears that the new bridge for the HOV lanes is at least a foot or two higher off the surface of the 5. The alignment of the bridge, it looks like there some better curves and exit/entrance angles for the new bridge. This should allow cars to safely use it at full freeway speed (remember the old one only had to meet the dsign requirements for 55 MPH). Also, the placement and footings for the new bridge appear to be placed to allow for the removal of the “hook” that the SB 5 has right there. If you have driven in the left lane on the SB 5 there, you will know what I am talking about. Over the last few weeks, it looks like the crews have been widening the bridge over the was and starting demo of the corner that stuck out.
The SB on ramp from Branford to the SB 5 was kept. I don’t think that any bridge has been demo’ed just so a new one can be built. There has to be a vaild reason and one that justifies the expense. Caltrans would have inspected the bridge and figured its estimated remaining lifespan, resistance to earthquakes, and other factors prior to starting the project.
And for the record, I don’t work for Metro, Caltrans, or any other transportation agency or contractor. I am just a person that drives the highways and rides Metro on occasion.
There was already a seamless transition HOV lane and they tore it out so they could build a new one. Traffic on the 170 is still tied up approaching the five.Another waste of money.