By Karli Wallace
Executive Theme Editor
A large sinkhole opened up yesterday in front of Mira Costa, forcing the closure of the east and westbound lanes on Artesia Boulevard from Peck Avenue to Stanford Avenue until Monday.
The sinkhole opened due to heavy rains and a damaged drain pipe. The closure has clogged traffic on the southeast side of the Mira Costa. The California Highway Patrol released an announcement on Twitter yesterday, advising drivers to stay clear of the intersection. Crossing guards have been issued near school grounds to ease pedestrian traffic flow. The Manhattan Beach Police Department is working with the Redondo Beach Police Department to ensure maximum safety of local residents, MBPD Lieutenant Andy Harrod said.
“If people are looking for a safe route around Costa, they should come down Meadows to 2nd Street, to Peck Avenue, and wiggle their way around.” Parking and Animal Control officer Mary Taylor said. “That way, drivers may come the back way and exit the back way while avoiding the closed lanes on Artesia.”
Local law enforcement officials are currently working with construction workers to assess the damage and make a stable plan to control traffic flow. Prospect Avenue and Aviation Boulevard may be closed during this time to effectively control traffic.
“Right now, one of our biggest traffic concerns will be drunk drivers who might be celebrating after Valentine’s’ Day,” Harrod said. “Other than that, we are working to make sure that traffic in surrounding residential areas is minimal while also ensuring that we are doing everything in our power to re-open Artesia as soon as possible.”
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