The second major shutdown of the 210 Freeway is upon us.
The closure of the eastbound lanes through Irwindale to complete a hinge replacement project on the San Gabriel River Bridge began Wednesday night at 10 p.m.
The $30 million project includes updates to the 50-year-old bridge, as well as new safety railings.
“We are rehabilitating two key components of this bridge to keep it up and in good health. That’s going to take us quite some time to do. We should get through this together,” said Eric Menjivar, a spokesperson for CalTrans.
The shut down will continue for 126 hours between the 605 Freeway and Irwindale Avenue, reopening on Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.
“That’s not good,” said commuter Jeffery Thomas. “I gotta get that way all the time.”
The westbound side of the freeway will be converted into three lanes of travel in each direction, but heavy backups are expected.
“One thing we are stressing to commuters is plan ahead,” Menjivar added.
The northbound 605 transition to the eastbound 210 will also be closed, as will the westbound 210 transition to the southbound 605 Freeway.
Drivers are urged to use the 10 and 60 freeways as alternates, though it’s important to note that other drivers will also be looking for a different route to their destination.
“Give yourself another 15 minutes, no matter where you’re going, and plan ahead, that’s for sure,” trucker George Salcido said.
Commuters can also opt to travel on the Metrolink or Metro Gold Line to avoid the traffic delays altogether.
