Since February, construction has been causing traffic delays on the 14 Freeway between Placerita Canyon and Golden Valley Roads in Santa Clarita and is expected to be completed by early May.

Crews with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have been restoring the drainage system on the 14 Freeway due to debris buildup, causing traffic delays for people traveling on both sides of the roadway.

“The goal of the project is to restore the functionality of the drainage system and prevent debris from accumulating in the future from runoff,” said Eric Menjivar, Public Information Officer for Caltrans.

The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month or early next month which is expected to relieve the traffic, according to Menjivar

“Crews had to replace the 17 culverts at this location due to sediment, debris and oil that accumulated and damaged the drainage system,” said Menjivar.

Culverts are structures that channel water. The culverts at the 14 Freeway had collected debris that prevented them from working as they should.

“The new drainage system will also include an oil collection system to prevent future build-up in the culverts,” Menjivar said.

Crews with Caltrans have also upgraded 80 feet of guardrail in the area, Menjivar said.

According to Menjivar, workers were able to complete most of the project without closing traffic lanes because they could work on the shoulder of the roadway behind concrete dividers, also known as k-rail.

The project is partially funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

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