The final component of a long-term construction project on Pacific Coast Highway began Tuesday, forcing a year-long closure of one southbound lane to upgrade the sewage system.
The $8 million construction project will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and again from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Work will be performed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as needed on Saturdays. Work will not take place during the day on Sundays, according to a Los Angeles Department of Public Works document.
About 900 feet of a 48-inch diameter sewer line will be constructed. The project stretches from the City of Santa Monica’s Annenberg Beach House at 415 Pacific Coast Highway, and goes north to the privately-owned Beach Club at 201 Palisades Beach Road.
To prevent traffic congestion, the city will change the direction of one of the lanes depending on traffic peak requirements, LA Department of Public Works Spokesman Richard Lee said.
Cones and signage will direct drivers.
Number of lanes open during peak commute times:
- 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Three southbound lanes and two northbound lanes
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Two southbound lanes and two northbound lanes
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Three northbound lanes and two southbound lanes
- 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. - Two northbound lanes and one southbound lane
Lee said the city is not suggesting any specific alternate routes.
This low flow diversion project is phase II of a two-part upgrade to the Coastal Interceptor Relief Sewer. Phase I, which was completed in April 2013, installed 3,600 feet of sewer along PCH.
The new sewage system will divert urban runoff during year-round dry weather to a Hyperion Treatment Plant and expand sewer capacity.
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Previously, the polluted water funneled directly into the Santa Monica Bay. Now, unpolluted water will flow into the bay in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency and Clean Water Act regulations.
