Expect Delays as Expo Crews Dig Up Sewer Line

Construction crews are prepping to excavate a 1,200-foot sewer line along Colorado Avenue, but barring an unfortunate puncture to the pipe, don't expect it to be smelly.

Do, however, plan ahead for traffic delays, said Torri Hill of Expo contractor Skanska-Rados.

As part of the initial construction work the Expo Light Rail, Skanska-Rados crews will dig up the line along the parking lane on the south side of the Colorado Avenue and some areas of the sidewalk between 17th Court and 14th Court to install new manholes and pipes.

Work will take place between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekday starting mid-April.  Some work at key intersections—such as 17th Street and Colorado—may be done at night to minimize traffic impacts.

"The biggest impact is going to be on traffic," Hill said.

The Expo Rail will make three stops in Santa Monica at Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street, Colorado and 17th and Colorado at 4th Street. The first phase of the line stretches from downtown Los Angeles and Culver City and is expected to open at the end of this month.

The sewer excavation along Colorado is expected to be complete by June 1.