New pipeline to keep stormwater out of ocean
The City of Los Angeles will begin construction on the Coastal Interceptor Relief Sewer (CIRS), a new wastewater pipe along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the Pacific Palisades, on Monday, March 7. Southbound traffic will be impacted intermittently beginning next week through the end of 2012.
Work will begin at the south end of the project, by the Santa Monica-Los Angeles city border near the Annenberg Community Beach House, and continue heading north to just south of Temescal Canyon Road.
From March 7 through March 11, workers will close up to two southbound lanes along PCH between Entrada Drive and the Annneberg Community Beach House at night. Survey work will transpire from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. One southbound lane will remain open at all times; no impacts to the northbound traffic are expected. All traffic lanes will reopen in time for the morning rush hour. Work impacting highway traffic will cease temporarily for one month until sewer installation begins on April 11.
The new 4,500-foot pipeline will run alongside the existing Coastal Interceptor Sewer, and will provide increased flow capacity from the eight newly completed Santa Monica Bay low flow diversions to the Hyperion Treatment Plant. These infrastructure developments will keep urban runoff from flowing out into the ocean during year-round dry weather, helping the city comply with water quality regulations.
Regular work hours are 7 a.m. through 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. through 5 a.m., Mondays through Fridays and some Saturdays. At least two southbound traffic lanes will remain open during daytime work, and at least one lane at night. Other construction impacts include dust, noise, loss of beach parking during the non-summer months, and a detour option for cyclists. PCH users are encouraged to consider alternate routes. Project updates are available on Twitter @PCHPartners.
The $10-million pipe’s design and construction is managed by the Bureau of Engineering. City Engineer Gary Lee Moore explains, “The CIRS will complement the work of our enhanced low flow diversions that keep urban runoff out of Santa Monica Bay. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we deliver this necessary infrastructure development that will promote clean water, protect the ocean, and render critical wastewater services to Los Angeles residents for years to come.”
The CIRS and the low flow diversions are funded by the voter-approved Proposition O Clean Water Bond. The $500-million bond finances 32 stormwater improvement projects across Los Angeles to help keep the city comply with state and federal water quality mandates for its water bodies.
The Bureau of Contract Administration will ensure that the project is built according to design and specifications. The work will be performed by Blois Construction, an Oxnard-based construction company hired by the City of Los Angeles. For more information about this project, visit www.LAPropO.org or call the Department of Public Works Public Affairs Office at (213) 978-0333.