Caltrans failed to warn city about roadwork that caused traffic jam

PACIFICA, Calif. -- The City of Pacifica says that Caltrans has apologized for failing to notify them of road work that led to hours of unexpected traffic congestion on state Highway 1 on Monday.

Caltrans closed one southbound lane of Highway 1 around 9:30 a.m. Monday morning between Mori Point Road and Rockaway Beach Avenue for repaving, which caused significant traffic impacts, according to Pacifica's Interim Chief of Police Dan Steidle.

That situation got worse after an accident nearby around 12 p.m., which delayed completion of the repaving work into the afternoon commuting hours, according to Steidle.

Caltrans plans to do similar work today on Highway 1 between Fassler and Reine Del Mar avenues from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Steidle says Caltrans has control over Highway 1 maintenance, but the City of Pacifica plans to discuss coordination and notification issues with Caltrans, as well as limiting road maintenance to nighttime hours.