The beginning stages of construction for a bridge over Venice Boulevard has caused traffic delays in Culver City for nearly two months, and according to a recent announcement by Los Angeles Metro officials, the roadwork is set continue for at least another 18 months.

The new bridge will link the Culver City station with Phase 2 of the Expo Line. According to Gabriela Collins, a spokeswoman for the Exposition Construction Authority, the bridge was not included in the original plans for Phase 1 and only recently received funding.

“The reason for the construction is that a lot of underground utilities need to be relocated to make way for the bridge structure, like communication lines, power lines and sewer systems,” Collins said.  

In early November, the Exposition Construction Authority announced that the relocation of underground utilities would cause traffic delays for one month at National Boulevard between Palms Boulevard and Clarington Avenue and at Clarington Avenue and National Boulevard.

On Nov. 21, however, the authority released a new statement, saying the construction would last through April 30. Finally, on Jan. 17, Expo announced more utility relocation construction on Sepulveda Boulevard from Pico Boulevard to Exposition Boulevard. 

Art Ida, transportation director for Culver City, said his department has been forced to adjust their bus services because of the construction.

“Because of Phase 1, we’re kind of used to construction, so we’ve had to create detours and coordinate amongst ourselves. It’s somewhat disruptive but our customers are kind of used to it,” Ida said.

Once the construction on the bridge itself begins, Venice Boulevard will be reduced to one lane in the Culver City area, according to Ida. The Culver City Department of Transportation will then have to reroute their buses away from work zones, while also servicing the Metro stations where much of the developments are taking place.

Collins said the Exposition Construction Authority has worked to ensure a proper amount of warning time for traffic delays and to lessen the inconvenience to the city's residents.

“We’ve tried to minimize the impact on traffic as much as possible, with as few detours as possible,” Collins said.

Steven Rose, president of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce, said he feels that Phase 2 of the Expo Line will continue to have a positive effect on the city, despite the difficulties associated with its construction. He said the Expo Line has encouraged businesses to open in Culver City because of their proximity to the Metro. 

“The Expo Line has made downtown Culver City more accessible to South and Downtown L.A.,” Rose said. “You put in so much groundwork and all of a sudden, things start happening.”

 

 

Reach Contributor Chelsea Stone here.