Foothill Freeway Through Pasadena Faces Months of Lane Closures for Construction of Noise-Reducing Soundwall

The whoosh and buzz of traffic along Interstate 210 has long been the unwelcome soundtrack for Pasadena residents living near the freeway. Now, in a sweeping infrastructure project, Caltrans is embarking on an ambitious plan to muffle that persistent noise — though the remedy will first bring its own distractions.

California Department of Transportation’s District 7 announced this month that westbound I-210 between Marengo and Fair Oaks Avenues will face intermittent lane reductions and off-ramp closures because of the agency’s Soundwall Package 10 project, an extensive noise-mitigation initiative that will stretch into next summer.

Construction crews will coordinate two different schedules: traffic impact hours with lane closures on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and again from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., while actual construction work follows the City of Pasadena’s noise ordinance hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The project’s centerpiece involves the construction of approximately 16,000 feet of sound walls at three locations, including both eastbound and westbound sections of Route 210 from Fair Oaks Avenue to Wilson Avenue in the City of Pasadena.

“Metro has a plan to help our communities thrive. It includes creating quieter neighborhoods through our soundwall program for LA County residents living in areas of high traffic,” according to Metro’s official project page.

An October 2, 2023 City of Pasadena Council presentation described the sound wall’s concrete masonry blocks rising up to 15 feet high, adhering to Metro design standards. While the construction follows the City of Pasadena’s noise ordinance guidelines for working hours, the project’s traffic impact will extend into overnight hours.

Transportation officials confirmed that while through traffic will continue on Corson Street between Los Robles Avenue and Wilson Avenue, motorists should expect reduced lanes in this area. The Department of Transportation has advised commuters to plan alternative routes during construction hours and prepare for potential delays along this section of the freeway.

The project’s completion is anticipated by summer 2025, according to Metro’s official project page.