Full closure of 5 Freeway in Burbank expected in the 'near future'

Caltrans officials Thursday will announce the date of a 36-hour weekend closure of a section of the 5 Freeway as part of a project to demolish and replace the Burbank Boulevard bridge over the freeway.

The project is an effort that will necessitate a "long-term'" street closure set to begin late next week.

Burbank Boulevard between San Fernando Boulevard and Front Street will be closed in both directions to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians starting at 12:01 a.m. on March 14 and will reopen sometime in 2021, according to Michael Comeaux of Caltrans.

"The new bridge will be longer than the old one since I-5 is being widened to add carpool lanes in both directions," Comeaux said. "The new bridge also will be wider to accommodate more lanes on Burbank Boulevard, bicycle lanes in both directions and a wide sidewalk."

Caltrans will be closing the 5 Freeway near Burbank Boulevard for 36 hours over a weekend in the "near future," according to Comeaux. That closure will likely be the largest in the Los Angeles area since 10-mile sections of the 405 Freeway were closed during weekends in July 2011 and September 2012, dubbed "Carmageddon" 1 and 2.

No further information was immediately available.