Caltrans to Close 5 Freeway in Burbank for 55 Hours This Weekend
Extended Weekend Closure Planned for Southbound I-5 in Burbank
BURBANK, Calif. – Motorists should prepare for significant traffic disruptions this weekend as Caltrans initiates a 55-hour closure on southbound Interstate 5, starting Friday, March 6, at 10 p.m. This closure is part of an extensive pavement rehabilitation project aimed at enhancing roadway safety and performance.
During the closure, southbound traffic will be limited to two lanes between Cohasset Street and Empire Avenue/San Fernando Boulevard. Additional ramp closures will affect the Buena Vista Street on- and off-ramps, along with the Empire Avenue off-ramp. Full overnight closures are scheduled for Saturday, March 7, and again on Monday, March 9, when crews will conduct necessary restriping.
This work is part of a larger $23.2 million project to replace damaged pavement along the freeway. Residents in the vicinity can expect increased noise, dust, and vibrations throughout the construction period.
Timeline of Closures:
- March 6 (10 p.m.): Lane reductions and ramp closures commence on southbound I-5.
- March 7 (1 a.m. – 5 a.m.): Full closure of southbound I-5 from Hollywood Way to Empire Avenue for restriping.
- March 9 (1 a.m. – 5 a.m.): Another full closure of the same segment for final restriping.
- March 9 (5 a.m.): All lanes and ramps are slated to reopen.
- Spring 2026: Expected completion of this series of weekend closures.
- Summer 2027: Anticipated overall project completion.
Caltrans is urging drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures within the construction zone, reminding them to stay "Work Zone Alert" and to "Slow for the Cone Zone."
Following this weekend’s disruptions, two additional 55-hour closures are anticipated before the project’s conclusion, although Caltrans notes that the current schedule may change due to weather or operational factors. Motorists are encouraged to keep informed through local updates regarding future closures.
Drivers should consider using alternate routes to mitigate heavy congestion, such as:
- Eastbound SR-134
- Southbound SR-170 to eastbound SR-134
- SR-118 (with directions to southbound I-405 to southbound U.S. 101)
For real-time updates on road conditions, the public can access the Caltrans Quickmap or sign up for project-specific notifications online.
