Pico Rivera : Drain Pipe Work Proceeds

A storm drain construction project that has tied up traffic on Washington and Paramount boulevards for weeks is ahead of schedule and should be completed by mid-November, according to John Medina, Pico Rivera public works director.

Medina said the $953,000 project is designed to improve drainage in and around the Washington-Paramount intersection on the city’s west side. Even during light rain, the intersection often floods, causing traffic tie-ups and accidents, he said. To improve the situation, large new pipes are being placed underground to carry the runoff west into the Rio Hondo River.

Medina said the work on the Washington Boulevard end of the project, between the river and Bollenbacher Avenue, is nearly complete and work on Paramount Boulevard between Washington and Candace Avenue is now under way. Motorists can expect periodic lane closures in the area because of construction. Medina recommends using Whittier Boulevard or Slauson Avenue as alternate routes, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.