Expect Traffic Hell on 710 Monday

Beware the 710 Freeway on Monday.

A portion of the under-construction highway that was supposed to reopen in time for the Columbus Day morning commute will now stay closed until Tuesday at 5 a.m., a Caltrans official told City News Service.

The foot-thick pavement that construction crews put down over the weekend is not thickening fast enough, Caltrans said.

That means northbound traffic on the 710 between the 105 Freeway and Atlantic/Bandini will be diverted to the southbound side of the freeway, which will operate with a temporary median barrier, skinnier lanes and a 45 mph speed limit.

"Avoid the area if you can,'' Raptis said.