Overnight closures disrupt I-605 for critical construction work
- Significant overnight closures began on December 2 and will continue through December 7 for construction on the 605 Freeway.
- The construction aims to rehabilitate the freeway, impacting both northbound and southbound traffic with multiple lane reductions.
- Drivers are advised to use alternative routes such as I-710 or I-5 to mitigate traffic disruptions during the closures.
In California, ongoing construction is causing significant overnight closures on both sides of the 605 Freeway starting from Monday, December 2, through Saturday, December 7. This work is part of a larger project aimed at rehabilitating the freeway corridor from Long Beach to the San Gabriel Valley. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has specified that the work will involve activities such as roadway rehabilitation, concrete work, asphalt paving, guardrail installation, and other essential repairs. Due to the nature of the work, various lane and ramp closures will also be implemented during nighttime hours, aimed at minimizing disruption during peak traffic times. The construction schedule indicates that key sections of the freeway will be closed at different times throughout the week, with specific closures in place for northbound and southbound traffic on I-605. Between December 2 and December 5, closures will be in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., impacting traffic flow substantially during the early morning hours. Furthermore, full closures between I-10 and Telegraph Road for both directions are scheduled from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. leading up to December 6. During these time frames, multiple lanes, and corresponding on- and off-ramps will be closed sequentially to manage construction workflows effectively. The project is part of the larger "Super 605" initiative, which has been allocated substantial funding, with $238 million stemming from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and over $20.6 million from California's Senate Bill 1, known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Such significant funding reflects the critical need to address infrastructure challenges faced by the region's transportation systems. The goal of the project is to enhance the condition and usability of the freeway, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for commuters. Caltrans has taken measures to inform drivers about the ongoing closures and has urged them to seek alternative routes. Detours are available via I-710 or I-5, and electronic signs have been strategically placed to guide drivers through the affected areas. The construction and associated closures are subject to change based on weather conditions, which could influence the timeline or extent of the work. Maintaining an open line of communication about these closures is essential to help minimize the impact on daily commuters and ensure safety during construction.