Work Closes Southbound 605 to Southbound 405 Connector for Two Weeks
The construction started Monday night and is part of a $277 million West County Connectors project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding carpool lanes between the I-605, I-405, and SR-22.
John Cádiz Klemack
Caltrans crews closed the connector from the southbound 605 to the southbound 405 freeways late Monday night. The closure will be in effect for two weeks to allow for the construction of a carpool lane. Many who use the route are bracing for a heavier and longer commute than normal. John Cadiz Klemack reports from the 605 Freeway for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on July 31, 2012.
Southbound travelers on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway seeking to head onto the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway were forced onto alternate routes beginning late Monday night.
The Orange County connector is set to be closed for two weeks to accommodate a $277 million West County Connectors project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding lanes to create a "seemless HOV connection" among the 605, 405 and Garden Grove (22) Freeway (area map).
A bridge will be constructed to connect a carpool lane from the 405 to the 605 and from the 22 to the 405, according to Orange County Transportation Authority spokesman Joel Zlotnik. The authority initiated the project, along with Caltrans.
During the two-week closure, congestion is expected on surface streets in the community of Rossmoor and in Seal Beach as drivers seek to get around the construction.
Alernate routes from OCTA include:
- Exit the 605 at Spring Street, continue on Spring Street to make a left on Woodruff Avenue and proceeed to the 405.
- Exit the 605 at Spring Street and continue on Spring Streed. Make a left on Studebaker Road to eastbound 22, then take the 22 connector to the the 405.
- Exit the 605 at Katella Avenue, go left/east. Make a right on Los Alamitos Boulevard and continue onto Seal Beach Boulevard toward the 405.
- Especially during overnight hours, exit the 605 at Willow Street westbound, make a left on Studebaker Road, another left on East Second Street, which turns into Westminster Avenue.
Some additional projects in the area include reconstruction of Valley View Street and the Seal Beach Boulevard Bridge. All projects have been slated for completion in 2014, according to Zlonik.
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