Rush hours for the next couple days will be a traffic nightmare between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside for thousands of commuters on Sepulveda Boulevard and the San Diego (405) Freeway.
In fact, lane closures that began Sunday evening will be in effect through approximately Tuesday midday, so driving along those routes — some of the heaviest traveled roadways in the nation — will be difficult for motorists at almost any hour.
It’s all because a gas pipeline is to be installed underground along Sepulveda Boulevard at Skirball Center Drive, in the Sepulveda Pass, said Southern California Gas Company spokeswoman Rosa Marie Santana.
Only one lane will be available on Sepulveda Boulevard in each direction at the top of Sepulveda Pass, as construction gets underway through Tuesday afternoon.
Offramps from the southbound 405 at Skirball Center Drive will be reduced from three lanes to one, the Gas Company spokeswoman said. Traffic may also be restricted on the onramps to the south 405.
The Gas Company asked West L.A. motorists to use alternate routes, but one of those major alternatives — Topanga Canyon Boulevard — was blocked with fire apparatus and evacuating residents waiting to return near the Old Fire.
–City News Service