Commuters in the Irwindale region should expect another difficult commute on Friday, the second full day of a five-day closure on the eastbound side of the Foothill (210) Freeway to facilitate improvements to the San Gabriel River Bridge.
The eastbound freeway between the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway and Irwindale Avenue was blocked around 10 p.m. Wednesday. The road will be closed until 5 a.m. Tuesday.
All eastbound traffic is being diverted onto the westbound motorway, which has been reconstructed to accommodate three lanes of traffic in each direction.
A similar shutdown on the westbound side last month caused huge traffic jams in both directions, and the commencement of the eastbound closure on Thursday produced similar consequences, with motorists clogging the motorway and nearby streets.
Caltrans officials are advising motorists to use alternate routes or take public transportation to minimize delays.
The closure is part of a $30 million effort to restore the San Gabriel River Bridge’s hinges and railings, as well as strengthen the bridge decks.
CELEBEAT 