The California Department of Transportation has accelerated pavement rehabilitation on the northbound No. 3 lane on Interstate 5 in Castaic to provide all four lanes through the construction zone to accommodate holiday traffic.

“While reopening the lane will improve traffic flow through Castaic and Santa Clarita, Caltrans recommends that motorists consider adjusting travel times or taking alternate routes — such as U.S. 101 and State Route 14,” said Caltrans District 7 Director John Bulinski.

Like most holidays, motorists should expect delays because there will be above-normal traffic on the highly traveled I-5 corridor. The California Highway Patrol also will be enforcing the speed limit of 55 miles per hour in the construction zone, where traffic fines are doubled.

Caltrans is working with Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the area, on developing an emergency traffic circulation plan in Castaic.

“Recognizing that Castaic and Santa Clarita Valley traffic issues are a serious concern, my office and Caltrans are collaborating to find meaningful solutions and lessen the travel issues experienced in the community and by motorists in general,” Barger said.

The $171 million I-5 Roadway Rehabilitation Project extends nearly 16 miles in and near the city of Santa Clarita, from south of State Route 14 to north of Lake Hughes Road. It is on schedule and is expected be completed next summer, weather permitting.

Caltrans is aiming to avoid the heavy traffic congestion that occurred in three northbound lanes over the Thanksgiving holiday, when thousands of motorists spent more than one hour traveling a few miles. We anticipate opening the #3 northbound lane on Wednesday, December 19.

Before traveling, motorists are encouraged to check road conditions at Caltrans’ Quickmap, http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.