Commuters Endure First Work Day Closure Of Coldwater Canyon

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — Monday marked the first official work-day commute amid the five-week closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue.

The popular 405 alternative was closed Saturday as part of a major improvement project to upgrade the city's water infrastructure. Crews will also replace a 60-inch trunk line that burst in 2009, flooding a portion of Studio City with five million gallons of water.

"I'm looking forward to this all being done. It's been way too long," said resident Marla Graves.

Coldwater Canyon will be closed through April 26 with both lanes shut down from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, officials said.

The roadway will be reduced to one lane in each direction during overnight hours and on Sundays.

"This morning we definitely planned ahead to get out of the house...there was a time clock ticking," driver Madeline Nunez said.

Residents will be granted limited access.

Laurel Canyon, Beverly Glen, Benedict Canyon, the 405 and 101 freeways are suggested alternates. The Metro is also available.