Commuters brace for closing of Coldwater Canyon Avenue

Commuters were braced Monday for the first day of what could be a month-long headache as construction crews prepared to shut down Coldwater Canyon Avenue.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. Monday, the road over the Santa Monica Mountains will be closed daily as the Department of Water and Power begins the replacement of a 99-year-old water pipe under the 2.1-mile stretch.

The pipe under Coldwater Canyon ruptured four years ago and spilled 4 million gallons into the community, costing $7 million in damage.

The road between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive will be shut down from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays until April 25. One lane going each way will be open on Sundays.

Coldwater Canyon is one of only a few roads connecting the Westside to the San Fernando Valley. Authorities have warned residents and commuters to expect heavier traffic on alternative routes, including Laurel Canyon, Cahuenga, Beverly Glen and Sepulveda boulevards.

Residents whose homes are accessible only by the mountain pass will get a special pass, a DWP official said.

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email: Joseph.serna@latimes.com

twitter: @josephserna