Repaving on Malibu Canyon Road began Monday and, according to the Public Works department, will cause 15-mimute traffic delays from 8 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m. due to lane closures, when traffic will be controlled by flaggers and flow in only one direction at a time.
However, travelers may be in for longer delays.
“It’s way backed up,” said Calabasas resident Jennifer Kantor, who was talking on her cell phone while stalled in traffic at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, on her way home from Malibu. A steady stream of red lights wound through the canyon for as far as she could see. It took her an extra 20 minutes to get home.
“I was stopped for a half-hour this morning [at 11:15 a.m.],” she added.
Traffic traveling in the opposite direction was even worse. Kantor counted 200 cars traveling into Malibu near the tunnel, and suggested, with a laugh, that motorists fuel up before making a trip through the canyon.
The roadwork is expected to continue through Jan. 7 and will take place north of Malibu Crest Drive for about 2 miles, Public Works officials said. Access to surrounding intersecting streets will remain the same.