5-day closure of westbound 210 Freeway begins Wednesday evening
Drivers were warned to change their daily commute routes up in coming days as a temporary closure of the westbound 210 Freeway was expected to last for five days.
The closure between Irwindale Avenue and the 605 Freeway officially begins at 11 p.m. Wednesday evening, and is set to last through 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26.
Traffic heading through the area will be rerouted to the eastbound lanes of the freeway, reconfiguring the six lanes to instead handle three lanes of traffic heading in each direction.
Drivers were urged to reconsider routes as they expect extensive traffic delays. Officials instead asked people to consider alternate routes, such as the 10 or 60 Freeways or use public transportation.
Caltrans planned the closure so that crews could work on the San Gabriel River Bridge. Part of a $30 million project dedicated to upgrading the bridge, crews will install improved bridge hinges and railings, while strengthening bridge decks.
"That bridge is 50 years old, and we all need a little tune-up when we're 50," said Caltrans spokesperson Lauen Wonder. "We'll be replacing the hinges in two locations, working on cosmetic items and rebuilding that barrier."
As a result, several ramps will also be impacted, including the WB 210 to Irwindale Avenue and to the SB 605 Freeway. Additionally, ramps from the 605 Freeway to the EB 210 Freeway will be blocked as well.
A similar closure is expected in August, for crews to perform similar work on the eastbound side of the 210.
The construction and closure gave many drivers flashbacks to "Carmaggedon" when the 405 Freeway closed in 2011.
"In fact, 'Carmaggedon' was so successful because people stayed away," Wonder said. "If people take that lesson and apply here, we won't have the 'Carmageddon.'"
