55-Hour Closure of NB I-405 Connector to Eastbound I-105 and Lane Closures on EB I-105 at I-405

HAWTHORNE — Reconstruction and pavement rehabilitation of the northbound I-405 (San Diego Freeway) connectors to eastbound / westbound I-105 (Century / Glenn Anderson Freeway) continue.


The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the scheduled 55-hour closure of the connector ramp from northbound Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) to eastbound Interstate 105 (Century – Glenn Anderson Freeway) and of freeway lanes on eastbound I-105 at I-405 to grind, pave, and stripe lanes on I-105. The closures are subject to change and are scheduled as follows:


From 11:59 p.m. Thurs., August 9 until 6 a.m. Fri., August 10:
o Northbound I-405 connector to EB I-105 closed.
o EB I-105 reduced to one lane approaching and past the I-405 interchange.

From 10 p.m. Fri., August 10 until 5 a.m. Mon., August 13 (55 consecutive hours):
• The northbound I-405 connector ramp to eastbound I-105 will be closed.
• Eastbound I-105 will be reduced to two lanes approaching and past the I-405 interchange.


Some lane and ramp closures may start as early as 7 p.m.
The eastbound El Segundo on ramp to northbound I-405 will remain open.
The northbound I-405 connector to westbound I-105 will remain open.


Drivers exiting LAX are advised to avoid entering eastbound I-105. Exit onto eastbound  Imperial Highway and rejoin eastbound I-105 at Freeman Ave. Or, exit onto eastbound Century Blvd. to southbound Hawthorne Blvd. to the on ramp to eastbound I-105. See attached detour maps.


Connector ramp detour: traffic may exit northbound I-405 to eastbound Imperial Highway and rejoin eastbound I-105 at the Freeman Ave. on ramp (east of Hawthorne Blvd.) Detour signs will be in place.                                                   

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Caltrans Recycles!

Caltrans Recycles!

Caltrans is in the process of widening the freeway, adding lanes and reconstructing interchanges along I-5 from I-605 to the Orange County line and from SR-134 to Buena Vista Street in Burbank. As we demolish old interchanges, bridges, ramps and sound and retaining walls, we keep the demolished concrete and metal.

One of our contractors then utilizes a large machine called a "crusher" to separate the metal and crush the concrete into pieces small enough to be used as aggregate to back-fill retaining walls and as base layer to build new freeway lanes. The crushed aggregate travels over a conveyor belt and is deposited into a large pile. Front loaders then load the recycled aggregate into trucks that deliver it to various construction sites within our overall project.

This recycling effort prevents negative impact on our environment and reduces project cost to our taxpayers. This is just another example of Caltrans fulfilling its mission statement to provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California's economy and livability.

The photos below show the "crusher" and other equipment in action recycling our concrete and metal debris:

 

   

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10 on I-10: 55-Hour Weekend Closures on I-10 Begin June 15

Beginning this weekend, Caltrans will conduct ten 55-hour weekend lane closures on the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) between Atlantic Boulevard and Rosemead Boulevard for bridge rehabilitation work. Along with the closure of the I-10 Metro Express Lanes, on- and off-ramps and local streets will also be closed. The first 55-hour weekend closure will begin Friday, June 15 at 10 p.m. and continue through Monday, June 18 at 5 a.m.
 

Friday, June 15 at 10 p.m. through Monday, June 18 at 5 a.m.

·       Eastbound I-10 Express Lanes at Atlantic Boulevard

·       Eastbound I-10 Atlantic Boulevard North on- and off-ramps

·       Westbound I-10 Atlantic Boulevard South on- and off-ramps

·       Both directions of Atlantic Boulevard between I-10 and Hellman Avenue 

Location of the first 55-hour weekend closure along eastbound I-10 at Atlantic Boulevard 

Although NOT a full freeway closure, motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised to use alternate routes, avoid the area or use public transit. Additionally, motorists can check traffic conditions before they leave by calling 511 or visiting the Caltrans Quickmap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov

For more information regarding the I-10 55-hour closures and closure updates, please visit the project webpage  

10 55-hour weekend closures will take place on I-10 for bridge maintenance activities

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In Burbank at I-5, Full Closure of Buena Vista Street on May 18-21

Buena Vista Street, looking south from the undercrossing at I-5 in Burbank.

The I-5 Buena Vista Street undercrossing in Burbank, looking north.

BURBANK — Buena Vista Street at the I-5 (Golden State Freeway) undercrossing is scheduled to be closed May 18-21 for paving and striping as part of the Empire Project, a series of improvements to Interstate 5 in Burbank.

From 10 p.m. Friday, May 18, to 6 a.m. Monday, May 21, Buena Vista Street is scheduled to be completely closed in both directions between Winona Avenue on the north and San Fernando Boulevard on the south.

Detours will be posted. The schedule is weather-permitting and subject to change.

Also closed for paving, at the same time, will be the northbound I-5 San Fernando Boulevard on-ramp, located north of the future I-5 interchange under construction at Empire Avenue in Burbank.

In addition, lanes will be reduced on San Fernando Boulevard at Buena Vista Street and on North Victory Place at Empire Avenue. Paving is scheduled in both areas. Also, Empire Avenue may be closed from Wilson Avenue to North Victory Place depending on the progress of work.

Traffic congestion and significant delays may occur near the closures, so drivers are advised to avoid the area or allow extra travel time.

When Buena Vista Street reopens on May 21, it will be reduced to one lane in each direction through late June for seismic retrofit work on bridge columns at the I-5 Buena Vista undercrossing.

As a result, congestion and delays are expected through June on Buena Vista Street and at nearby intersections, including Buena Vista Street at San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street at Winona Avenue.

The Empire Project includes construction of HOV (carpool) lanes, elevated railroad tracks, a new interchange at Empire Avenue and more. Information is available online at My5LA.com.

Drivers will see more work on California bridges and highways as a result of SB 1, the state’s new transportation funding.

Caltrans reminds drivers to "Be Work Zone Alert" and "Slow for the Cone Zone."

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Hundreds gather to honor and pay their respects to fallen Caltrans workers at annual Workers Memorial

On April 28, 1993, the lives for the friends, family and co-workers of Juan "John" Thome changed forever.

Thome was struck and killed by an errant driver simply for doing his job. The Maintenance Landscape Leadworker was checking on a landscape crew along State Route 60 (Pomona Freeway) in the city of Diamond Bar when he was hit by a vehicle.

Sadly, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) employees put their lives on the line every day to maintain and repair our state highway system. And since 1921, Thome and 187 other Caltrans employees have paid the ultimate price.

On April 18, hundreds of employees, family members and guests took a moment to recognize and remember workers like Mr. Thome that were killed at the annual District 7 Workers Memorial.

2018 #D7WorkersMemorial. A day for @CaltransDist7 to honor fallen workers who paid the ultimate price helping people get where they need to go safely. A somber reminder of how dangerous the job can be. pic.twitter.com/0iFkdZBBut

— Timothy Weisberg (@TimothyWeisberg) April 18, 2018

Caltrans director @LaurieBerman32 speaking at #D7WorkersMemorial honoring and remembering fallen workers who put their lives on the line to maintain and repair our freeway system for the driving public. pic.twitter.com/TsvTpGgyHE

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) April 18, 2018

Among the attendees was Chrstine Thome, the widow of Juan "John" Thome, and her family. Since 1993, and every year since, they have come to the District 7 Workers Memorial to pay their respects to Thome and the 36 other Caltrans employees in District 7, which covers Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, who have been killed on the job.

Christine Thome, the widow of Juan "John" Thome, outside the Diamond Bar Maintenance Station
April 18 before the 2018 District 7 Workers Memorial. Mrs. Thome placed a wreath on sign honoring 
her late husband, who was killed by errant driver while checking on landscape crew April 28, 1993.

Since 1921, 37 Caltrans District 7 (Los Angeles and Ventura Counties) employees
have been killed on the job.

This year's memorial was held at the South Region Maintenance Station under the Interstate 105 (Glenn Anderson Freeway) in the city of Los Angeles.

District 7 Director Carrie Bowen embraces family of Juan Thome at #D7WorkersMemorial. Mr. Thome, a Maintenance Landscape Leadworker, was killed April 28, 1993 by errant driver while working along SR-60 in @DiamondBarCity. Thome's family has come to every workers memorial since. pic.twitter.com/qKXnk7lVx3

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) April 18, 2018

Held every year in April and May at the 12 Caltrans districts statewide, the Workers Memorial is a time to honor Caltrans workers who lost their lives helping drivers get where they need to go efficiently and safely.

"Every day, Caltrans employees go to work knowing that they face real risks," Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen said during the District 7 Workers Memorial April 18.

"Remembering our fallen coworkers is a sober reminder that we must continually recommit ourselves to safety every day," said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. "I would like to appeal to those who use our travel-way, if you speed, text drive impaired, distracted or aggressively, you are putting your life at risk and you are putting others in serious danger."

Great turnout of support for our fallen workers at 2018 #D7WorkersMemorial! Caltrans employees are not the only ones on our highway system helping drivers get where they need to go. Big thanks to our @CHP_HQ partners as well keeping roads safe! pic.twitter.com/VnXmMS5kk4

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) April 18, 2018

Pictured from left to right at 2018 District 7 Workers Memorial: Vince Mammano with 
Federal Highway Administration; District 7 Deputy District Director Maintenance Deborah Wong; 
Caltrans Director Laurie Berman; California Highway Patrol Captain Mark Garrett; 
Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 
Planning Director Kome Ajise; and Caltrans Maintenance Chief Tony Tavares.

The last District 7 employee killed while working on a state highway was in 2016. On Sept. 1, 2016, Electrician Jorge Lopez was killed when a big rig crossed onto the shoulder while he was standing outside his vehicle on State Route 14 (Antelope Valley Freeway) near Palmdale. Prior to that, District 7 went 11 years without a work-related fatality.

Caltrans District 7 electrician Jorge Lopez was struck and killed on State Route 14 near Palmdale
when a big rig crossed onto the shoulder while he was standing outside his vehicle.

Deputy District Director of @Caltrans7Mtc Deborah Wong reading the names of fallen workers at #D7WorkersMemorial, including electrician Jorge Lopez. Lopez was struck and killed Sept. 1, 2016 by a big rig that crossed onto shoulder of SR-14 near Palmdale. pic.twitter.com/oDTKl70WHr

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) April 18, 2018

The statewide Workers Memorial ceremony will be held April 26 at 11 a.m. on the West Steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

This year, Caltrans is paying special tribute to Si Si Han, a Toll Collector who was struck and killed Dec. 2, 2017 by a driver allegedly under the influence who crashed into a Bay Bridge toll booth.

Si Si Han, a Bay Bridge Toll Collector, was killed Dec. 2, 2017 when a box truck collided with the toll booth
she was working in. She is survived by her husband, Ryan, and their 10-year-old daughter, Ashly.

Si Si Han's name will be added to this plaque. Names of all CalTrans employees killed while working. pic.twitter.com/mm0B9fPv5c

— Elissa Harrington (@ElissaABC7) December 4, 2017

Caltrans will also honor Annette Brooks, a District 4 (Bay Area) Structure Steel Painter Supervisor who was shot and killed April 24, 2017 at the Rio Dell, Calif. Maintenance Station. 

Caltrans Structural Steel Painter Supervisor Annette Brooks worked for the state of
California for more than 36 years when she was shot and killed at the Rio Dell
Maintenance Station, approximately 25 miles south of Eureka.

Caltrans is committed to proving safe and efficient work zones, both for the traveling public and employees working on state freeways and highways. Safety is our number one priority, and honoring our fallen workers is a tragic reminder of the risks workers face every day.

37 District 7 (@CountyofLA and @CountyVentura) Caltrans employees have lost their lives helping maintain and repair our state highway system. Standing before them in their honor, dozens of others who have had close calls. Please be #WorkZoneAlert! #D7WorkersMemorial pic.twitter.com/1oR9mcPmoS

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) April 18, 2018

Drivers can prevent tragic outcomes both to themselves and highway workers by slowing down in work zones, keeping their eyes on the road, avoiding texting and other distracted driving habits, as well as complying with the Move Over Law. Passed in 2007, it requires drivers to move over if it is safe to do so, or slow down when approaching vehicles displaying flashing amber warning lights, including Caltrans vehicles.

Together, we can make sure Caltrans employees and other highway workers are able to get home to their families every night.

"Highway worker safety is everyone's responsibility...Be patient. Don't speed. Be Work Zone Alert," said Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen.

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Update on Long-Term Reconstruction of Northbound I-405 Connectors to Eastbound & Westbound I-105

HAWTHORNE - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has reconstructed the following two connector ramps:

The northbound I-405 (San Diego Freeway) connector to eastbound I-105 (Century / Glenn Anderson Freeway) was closed for 14 weeks for reconstruction. It re-opened at 5 a.m. on January 3, 2018.

The northbound I-405 connector to westbound I-105 was closed for almost 12 weeks for reconstruction. It re-opened at 3 a.m. on March 24, 2018.

Our contractor is now reconstructing and repaving one final lane of the collector road leading up to the two connector ramps. This stage of construction is scheduled to continue for several months. At least one lane of the collector road will remain open to traffic 24/7, with the exceptions that it may be closed overnight occasionally and there may be one 55–hour weekend closure during this time period to complete the project.

The right lane and auxiliary lane of northbound I-405 (San Diego Freeway) approaching Imperial Highway are scheduled to be closed from 10 p.m. Monday, Apr. 16 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 17 to remove K-rail.

When the freeway lanes re-open, the contractor will also re-open the eastbound El Segundo Blvd. on ramp to northbound I-405 after a long-term closure.

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Caltrans Navy Reservist Surprises Supervisor with 'Patriot Award' for Accommodating Military Service Duties

For United States Naval Reserve Petty Officer First Class Rodney Russell, rotating between his military and civilian life is a balancing act.

"Being a service member is extremely hard," the Navy Reservist based in Port Hueneme said. "With the deployments, unexpected travel and then to lump all that with your civilian job as well that you have to keep up and maintain."

United States Navy Reservist Rodney Russell also works as an equipment
operator for Caltrans with the Camarillo Road Crew.

When Russell isn't serving with Navy Recuit Training Command or being deployed to Afghanistan and places like Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, Russell works as an equipment operator with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Camarillo Road Crew.

But as a service member, his call to duty could intersect with his civilian life, and work with Caltrans. However, his maintenance supervisor, Ryan Gaudenzi, always understood, taking a flexible approach with his schedule and obligations with the Naval Reserve.

"Whenever I would come to Ryan to explain to him that I had to leave...there was never any type of push back or anything like that," Russell said. "It would always be, 'Hey. Let me know when you got to go, and thank you for your service.' That means a lot to me."

It meant so much to Russell, he thought his supervisor deserved recognition for allowing him to work around his military responsibilities.

On March 29, Russell surprised Gaudezi at Caltrans' Camarillo maintenance facility with the "Patriotic Employer Award."

Navy reservist and Caltrans Equipment Operator Rodney Russell surprises Maintenance Supervisor Ryan Gaudenzi with Patriot Award from @ESGR for supporting and valuing Rodney's military service. #SupportOurTroops pic.twitter.com/tFK1MkrwvM

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) March 30, 2018

"I had to put you in the spotlight," Russell told Gaudezi as he was presented with a certificate of recognition and letter of appreciation.

Navy Reservist and Caltrans Equipment Operator Rodney Russell (left) surprises Maintenance Supervisor
Ryan Gaudezi (center) with a "Patriot Award" at the Caltrans Maintenance Facility in Camarillo  March 29.
The award is in recognition of Gaudezi for supporting Russell's military commitments.

The award was presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Established in 1972 as a Department of Defense Program, ESGR strives to encourage employers to support and value the military commitments and service of their employees.

Russell, who started his service for Caltrans in May 2016 in the Moorpark Landscape Yard, is also a member of the Caltrans Honor Guard.

The Caltrans Honor Guard plays an active role in the annual Caltrans Workers Memorial Ceremony. Typically held every April, the ceremony honors all maintenance workers who paid the ultimate price making our state highway system safe for the driving public.

According to Russell, there are 16 members of the Caltrans Honor Guard, 13 of which that have military backgrounds.

And for Russell, a Chicago native who has been in the United States Navy since 2001, having an employer that allows its employees to play an important role serving their country makes the switch between civilian and military duties easier.

"Ever since I've started working at Caltrans, I've had nothing but support," Russell said.

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