California Incline Closure Impacts L.A. Residents

Construction workers closed the California Incline bridge early Monday morning for a year-long reconstruction project. 

The bridge was last renovated in 1930, but Santa Monica City officials explain this roadway connecting Pacific Coast Highway to downtown Santa Monica needs to be brought up to seismic standards.

Susan Cline, Interim Director of Public Works, says the reason for the project is for public safety.

The $20 million plan includes a 16-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle pathway in addition to the two-vehicle lane renovation. 

Although residents worry about an increase in traffic congestion, they feel this project needs to be done.

"It's never a good time to start, but this is kind of bad," said Lynn Marks, a Los Angeles resident.

Cline plans to have the bridge up and ready before Memorial Day weekend of next year for beach goers.