The iconic California Incline is officially closed, pending an ambitious, year-long renovation project. Construction crews began erecting “no left turn” and “road closed” signs Sunday night, with road closures in full effect by Monday.
The two-block bridge connecting Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway hasn’t seen any real upgrades since it was first built in 1930. Santa Monica officials have long expressed concerns about the potential impact from earthquakes or landslides as a result.
Over the next 14 months, crews will finally work to demolish the old bridge, shore up the cliffs, and build a new structure. The new incline will be over five-and-a-half feet wider and will include a 16-foot-wide protected lane for bikes and pedestrians.
The plan carries a $20 million price tag, most of which will be covered by federal funds. A less quantifiable impact, however, will be the worsening of traffic in and around PCH—a prospect that has been worrying westsiders since the project was first announced.
About 13,000 cars use the route each day. Northbound drivers will be directed to Lincoln Boulevard and onto the 10 to merge with PCH; those traveling south will have to exit onto Moomat Ahiko Way to access downtown Santa Monica.
“We’re all very scared out here,” said Malibu City Council Member Laura Rosenthal, noting a series of other road projects in Santa Monica. “There is a potential for horrific commutes morning and afternoon.”
Read more about the retrofitting project here.