Relief arrives for those heading into Long Beach after year-long closure
April 27, 2012
ORANGE – Drivers heading into Long Beach beginning Saturday morning will have an easier commute as the detour signs are removed and the 7th Street bridge is once again open for business.
The northbound San Diego Freeway (I-405) / westbound Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22) / 7th Street connector closed in April 2011. The bridge reconstruction was necessary to accommodate new carpool lanes on the I-405 beneath the bridge as part of the West County Connectors project.
“We know this has been an inconvenience and I want to sincerely thank the community for enduring this closure during the past year,” said OCTA Chairman Paul Glaab, also the mayor of Laguna Niguel. “The West County Connectors is a critical component in reducing congestion and we all look forward to the long-term benefits when construction is finished.”
The $277 million West County Connectors project will improve traffic flow by directly connecting carpool lanes on the I-405, San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) and SR-22. In addition, the project adds a 6-mile carpool lane on I-405 between SR-22 and I-605.
“A collaboration of local, state and federal resources, the West County Connectors project is an ideal example of government agencies working together to improve traffic conditions throughout the region,” said Caltrans District 12 Director Cindy Quon. “This project will improve mobility and it is creating much-needed employment at the same time.”
The project is being built in two segments. The east segment is creating direct carpool connections between the I-405 and SR-22 at Valley View Street. In addition, the east segment is reconstructing the southbound I-405 to eastbound SR-22 connector and reconstructing the Valley View Street bridge crossing over the SR-22.
The west segment is providing direct carpool connections between the I-405 and I-605 and reconstructing the Seal Beach Boulevard and northbound I-405/westbound SR-22/7th Street bridges.
For information and to sign up for construction alerts, visit: www.OCTA.net/wcc.
