Rain Delays Construction of New Route on Sepulveda Boulevard

This week's almost-continual drizzle and rain prevented contractors from digging a new route for Sepulveda Boulevard, and as a result lane closures near Sunset Boulevard will be extended through next Thursday, Metro officials said Saturday.

Only one lane is open in each direction on Sepulveda between Church Lane and Montana Avenue, the stretch of road next to the San Diego (405) Freeway and under the Sunset Boulevard overpass. That lane closure will continue through Thursday, crimping a surface street that is often used for freeway overflow traffic.

All traffic will be blocked on Sepulveda between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting, through Thursday morning as well. Dump trucks and excavation equipment will be used during the overnight hours, and some vibration may occur during the use of compaction rollers, Metro advised neighbors.

Contractors working on the $1 billion-plus freeway reconstruction and widening effort need to re-grade Sepulveda Boulevard as it slices through a hill east of the freeway, where a large retaining wall has been built. Once Sepulveda is relocated, workers will build the new northbound lanes, Metro officials said.