Motorists in Whittier are bracing for a significant slowdown this weekend as Caltrans embarks on a 55-hour lane reduction on southbound I-605 for paving operations. According to FOX LA, starting from 10 p.m. on Friday, July 25, through 5:01 a.m. on Monday, July 28, the freeway will be narrowed to one or two lanes at varying times, restricting the flow of traffic along this crucial artery.
Caltrans District 7 officials are encouraging drivers to avoid the area, noting that the southbound direction of the freeway from Whittier Boulevard to the Bexley Drive undercrossing, will operate under reduced capacity, the single lane shut from 10 p.m. Friday night until 4:01 a.m. Saturday, then expanding to two lanes until 11 p.m. Sunday, before being reduced again to a single lane until early Monday morning, as reported by Caltrans.
Ramp closures will complement the lane restrictions with both eastbound and westbound Whittier Boulevard on-ramps to southbound I-605 and the off-ramp to Whittier Boulevard itself being shut down starting as early as 7 p.m. Friday; drivers should expect detours via local streets and are advised to consult the detour map provided or follow the posted signage to navigate around the construction work.
The need for these disruptive measures stems from the "Super 605" rehabilitation project, an extensive effort funded by a combination of federal and state resources, including $238 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and over $20.5 million through California’s SB 1 this investment aims to update and improve the corridor from Long Beach to the San Gabriel Valley with these weekend closures slated every two weeks until 2025, excluding holidays to ensure timely completion.
Caltrans has advised commuters to plan their travels, allowing for alternate routes such as southbound I-110, I-710, and State Route 57 to circumvent the affected area. Real-time updates on the closures can be obtained through the Caltrans QuickMap, and the public can stay informed about other infrastructure projects funded by state and federal investments at BuildingCA.ca.gov. In line with traffic safety, Caltrans urges drivers to remain alert and cautious when driving through work zones and to "Slow for the Cone Zone."
