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| Norwalk City Council gets briefing on the I-5 Freeway Expansion Project that begins TODAY over at the Carmenita Road Bridge. Randy Economy Photo |
By Randy Economy
An LCCN Special Report
Now the nearby “grandfather of all freeways,” the aged and worn out Interstate 5 Freeway (aka: Santa Ana Freeway) is about to get a total makeover from top to bottom, head to toe and from shoulder to shoulder.
The billion dollar re-do of the iconic I-5 through the tip of eastern Cerritos, into Norwalk and parts of Santa Fe Springs will beginning this week. Yep. No lie. It is really finally getting underway and members of the Norwalk City Council couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Finally¸ we are getting this project underway,” said an elated Norwalk vice Mayor Cheri Kelley this past week.
So, get ready for bulldozers and street closures, possible traffic nightmares, and lots of dust blowing in the air.
But, keep the headache medicine handy. We could all be in store for a “bumpy ride” over the next few years. When completes (in around four years), experts are predicting that the “New I-5” will be transformed into a brilliant highway “jewel” that should last for well into the later part of this “new century.”
The project, which will cost taxpayers more than $1.2 billion dollars by the time the last inch of concrete is dried (in around 2015ish), will change our driving commute and traffic pattern forever.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS THIS WEEK!
Beginning this week the first phase of the 1-5 widening project began with the Carmenita Road bridge widening and reconstruction.
The Carmentia Road bridge is one of the oldest “over crosses” along the current 5-Freeway.
The project will expand the current 2-lane narrow expanse into a modern convenient overcrossing with three lanes for cars in directions, a pedestrian walkway and bike lanes.
Yvette Kirnin, P.E., Executive Director Authority Engineer gave an update to the Norwalk City Council on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are going to completely change the traffic pattern in Norwalk and this entire area for generations to come. In the long run the community will benefit tremendously,” she said.
Over the next three to four years, the I-5 Freeway will be expanded from its current three lanes in both directions into a slick 10 lanes “superhighway” that will include a center carpool lanes, new on and off ramps, the closure of some current exits, the construction of new on ramps.
Bulldozers will be removing hundreds of current residences, and businesses that currently are adjacent to the 5 Freeway.
This stretch of highway is currently driven by millions of motorist’s week in and week out.
“Let’s face it, this part of the freeway is just plain worn out, and it is about time this project is finally going to be started,” said a very happy Norwalk Mayor Mike Mendez.
Mendez and the rest of the Norwalk City Council will be holding several “town hall” styles meeting with Cal Trans and project experts to keep “everyone on the same page” and to make sure that “every single question and concern of every resident can be addressed” added Mendez.
Councilman Luigi Vernola said he has waited most of his adult life for the 5 Freeway to be expanded. “I am so happy to see this finally get underway.”
Here is a thumbnail look into the I-5 Widening Project construction schedule.
First, the Carmenita Road Bridge Expansion will begin on May 14th and continue till 2014. Look for traffic delays but no actually street closures on Carmenita Road during the length of the project. The location will affect traffic on Carmenita Road from Alondra Boulevard in Cerritos northbound to Rosecrans Avenue in Norwalk. Also impacted will be the traffic on the I-5 at the Carmenita Road off ramps in both directions, and look for additional traffic tie ups along the Firestone Boulevard Frontage Road.
Segment 1 will begin at the I-5 and Alondra Boulevard at the Cerritos, Santa Fe Springs, and La Mirada boarder in December of 2011. Look for street detours on Alondra Boulevard.
Segment 2 will affect the area from Artesia Boulevard to the Coyote Creek. Property acquisition will be completed January 4, 2013 and construction will start on June 17, 2013 at this critical part of the freeway.
Segment 3 will include the reconstruction of the Shoemaker Road Bridge, the Rosecrans Avenue Bridge and the construction of a new “undercrossing” at Bloomfield Road at the I-5.
Segment 4 will involve San Antonio Drive, Imperial Highway, and the Orr and Day Road over hang, and construction will begin in this area in August 2012.
Segment 5, will begin in May of 2013 and will include the Florence Avenue interchange, north of the Orr and Day over hang at the I-5 and 605 Interchange.
REACHING OUT VIA THE NET
A website has been established to update residents, business owners, and commuters at www.I-5info.com.
A toll free hot line is also available on a 24/7 basis at 1-855-454-6335.
Also, look for the project to have its own Twitter, email and other “social media” outreach efforts that will give live, real time alerts, detour information, on and off ramp closures, and other vital information. They are also developing an iPhone "app" as well to keep commuters and residents “wired in” with real time updates.
