Repair Project to Affect Freeway

Motorists crossing the San Fernando Valley are facing more than the usual hassles caused by traffic volume and accidents.

A $1-million repair project is expected to close a 10-mile stretch of the Ventura Freeway on some nights through October, according to the California Department of Transportation.

The repairs, which began July 7, are intended to smooth out uneven patches of roadway between Colfax Avenue in Studio City and Wilbur Avenue in Tarzana that have settled since the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

“It’s been a bumpy ride for some time,” said Patricia Reid, a Caltrans spokeswoman. “We’ve been trying to line up funding and a contractor for a while, but it’s always been a priority.”

Lanes on both sides of the freeway have been closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. At times, the closures may last longer, Reid said.

“Once in a while they have equipment problems, but they do their darndest to get out of there on time,” she said.

More than 20 roadside signs warn drivers of the construction. Reid said more may be added.

“Motorists need to slow down and take it easy when they approach the areas that are being resurfaced,” Reid said. “When those spots are done, though, it’s very smooth.”

After-hours traffic updates are available by calling the Caltrans traffic management center between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. at (213) 897-0340.