By Rico Dizon
As part of the $1.6 billion Santa Ana Freeway (1-5) HOV Widening Projects, Caltrans closed one lane in both directions of Imperial Highway between the Imperial Highway Bridge and Pioneer Boulevard for three months beginning first week of March and until June of 2014.
The project consists of constructing one carpool and one general purpose lane in each direction from Los Angeles/Orange County lines to Interstate 605. It will also widen Imperial Highway and reconstruct the sidewalks.
In implementing the road closure, the far right lane (Lane # 3) will be closed in both the west-bound and east-bound directions. One west-bound lane on Imperial Highway (IH) will be closed from the IH bridge to Pioneer Boulevard. One east-bound lane on Imperial Highway (IH) will be closed from just before the IH bridge to Paddison Avenue.
Caltrans clarifies that motorists, pedestrians and emergency responders will have access at all times during the temporary closures. Local commuters are encouraged to allow extra time to arrive at their respective destinations. In addition, Caltrans calls on the motoring public, residents and business owners to sign up for regular notifications on street, freeway, and ramp closures by calling toll free 855-454-6335 or by opening the official website www.I-5info.com.