Expect Nighttime Closures on Several Freeways

The ongoing nighttime closure of the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway in Seal Beach is only one of many nighttime freeway closures slowing nocturnal commuters in Southern California this week. If you have to hit the road at night this week, be forewarned: Several freeways will be partially or entirely closed this week. 

This week portions of the Golden State (5) and Hollywood (170) and Pomona (60) Freeways will all be closed at night.Locally, the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway between Seal Beach Boulevard and the San Gabriel (605) Freeway will be closed every night for weeks to come.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the northbound lanes will close from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays. Once the work on the northbound side of the freeway is completed, the work and the closures will transfer to the southbound side of the freeway in mid-January.

OCTA has not released work schedules for the upcoming Christmas and New Year's weekends. 

And in the San Fernando Valley, both the Golden State (5) and Hollywood (170) freeways will have either one lane open or complete overnight closures most nights for the next three weeks as well. In addition, the 170 Freeway north and south will not connect to the 5 Freeway during overnight hours. Again, holiday hours for the valley project have not been announced.

In Montebello tonight, crews will close the westbound 60 past the 605 Freeway at 11 p.m. to finish demolishing the fire-damaged Paramount Boulevard bridge. Half of the eastbound freeway's four lanes will be closed as well, and that pattern will be repeated Tuesday nights.

The Auto Club offers these commuter stress management tips:  

• Allow extra time and expect heavier traffic and delays. By adjusting your attitude to expect delays, even if you're not driving anywhere near the closure, you won't get as stressed out if you run into traffic.
• Plan ahead, carpool, use public transportation, or telecommute, if possible.
• Manage additional commuter stress by listening to books on tape, soothing music, and periodically practicing deep breathing. 
• Limit distractions while driving, especially in heavy congestion.  The temptation may be to text, call friends or loved ones from the vehicle.  These actions will take your mind off the road, and the task of driving, and will likely compound an already difficult commute.
• Listen to the radio for traffic updates and pull up real-time traffic maps on your computer before you leave, so you can know what to expect and choose the route that is best for you.
• If you’re a bicyclist follow the same rules of the road as other road users, including riding in the same direction as traffic and following all traffic signs and signals.
• If you’re a pedestrian, walk with caution, follow all traffic laws, and make eye contact with drivers to ensure that you’re seen. 

City News Service Contributed to this report.