By Lookout Staff

December 23, 2020 -- A $6.3 million project to upgrade the lighting system and install a queue warning system will cause overnight closures of the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica, Caltrans announced this week.

The work -- scheduled to start the first week of January -- will close the tunnel on the 10 Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and associated ramps.

Detour signs will be posted for all full closures, which will take place mostly overnight between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. "to facilitate a safe work zone," Caltrans officials said.

The construction will impact both motorists and businesses, officials said.

"Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes during construction hours," the state transportation agency said.

"Residents and businesses located near the freeway are advised to anticipate noise, vibrations, and dust associated with construction activities."

The work zone spans one-mile from Lincoln Boulevard on I-10 to the Broadway Pedestrian Overcrossing on PCH. Crews will upgrade the tunnel's lighting system to LED lights for improved visibility.

A queue warning system, the first in Los Angeles County, will be installed on westbound I-10 to "provide automatic, real-time alerts to motorists when queues accumulate" at the tunnel.

"Motorists will be alerted if they need to slow down as they approach the tunnel," officials said.

The project will also install "a speed feedback sign, a high-friction surface treatment to the pavement inside the tunnel and an upgrade to overhead signage in the project area."

Closures are weather-permitting and subject to change.

Aldridge Electric is the contractor on the project, which is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2021.

Motorists can view current traffic closures before they leave for their destination by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap.