Expect delays if driving on I-5 this weekend. Here’s where road repairs are taking place

Travelers returning from Southern California along Interstate 5 over the Labor Day weekend can expect delays as workers make emergency repairs to the roadway caused by the Route Fire, which erupted Wednesday near Castaic.

Caltrans reported Friday evening that the two right lanes of northbound I-5 will be closed through the weekend to make the repairs. The left two lanes of the freeway will remain open. Workers will clean drainage systems, replace signs, replace burned guardrails and assess damaged retaining walls, according to the highway agency.

The California Highway Patrol is boosting staffing due to traffic issues related to the repairs.

An alternate route is suggested by Caltrans, although it would add several hours to any journey.

Returning drivers could take Highway 126 to Highway 101 to Highway 166 back to I-5. Another possible route is Highway 14 to Highway 58 to 99.

This story was originally published September 2, 2022 at 6:30 PM.