SAN CLEMENTE : Work Shuts Down Avenida Pico Ramps

City officials are asking drivers to use alternate Interstate 5 interchanges today while Avenida Pico off-ramps are widened.

Traffic will be restricted while paving is completed on the $352,000 project, said City Engineer William Cameron.

“It could get messy there,” he said. “People should use alternate exits.”

During construction, which will run from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., the southbound exit will be closed, he said. Drivers should use Camino de Estrella or Avenida Palizada off-ramps as alternate exits.

Divers coming off the Avenida Pico exit from the northbound lanes will be forced to turn right “to help us keep a smooth flow of traffic going,” Cameron said.

Also, drivers will not be allowed to turn left onto the freeway on-ramps, he said.

Crews also will be paving Avenida Pico beneath the freeway overpass, which will be reduced to one lane in both directions.

If rain doesn’t slow construction, Cameron said the work should be completed in one day.

“It’s a (Presidents’ Day) holiday, so we’re hoping traffic won’t be too impacted,” Cameron said. “The only thing that could hold us up is the weather.”