Weekend Closures on 5 Freeway in Burbank Bring Traffic Headache

Major repaving project forces extended lane reductions and full closures

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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Drivers in Burbank are facing heavy delays and traffic congestion this weekend as Caltrans begins a $23 million repaving project on the northbound 5 Freeway. The first of six extended weekend closures started on Friday, with all northbound lanes being fully closed between 1 a.m. on Sunday and 5 a.m. on Monday to allow workers to restripe the roadway.

Why it matters

The 5 Freeway is one of the busiest corridors in the region, and the weekend closures will significantly impact commuters, particularly those working overnight shifts. While the long-term improvements aim to relieve congestion, the short-term pain of the closures is expected to be significant.

The details

Crews have reduced the northbound 5 Freeway to two lanes between Empire Avenue and Buena Vista Street, and the closure also affects the connector from westbound State Route 134 to the northbound freeway. Detour and closure signs have been posted to direct traffic around the work zone.

  • The first of six extended weekend closures began on Friday at 10 p.m.
  • All northbound lanes will be fully closed between 1 a.m. on Sunday and 5 a.m. on Monday.

The players

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, responsible for the $23 million rehabilitation project on the 5 Freeway.

Stephanie Chacon

A driver who expects a lot of waiting time and bad traffic due to the closures.

Andrew Perdue

A Burbank resident who works in the medical field and is concerned about the impact of the late-night closures on his commute.

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What they’re saying

“Well, it's going to be a lot of waiting time. Traffic is bad as it is.”

— Stephanie Chacon, Driver (abc7.com)

“To me, the tough closure is going to be an issue since I work in the medical field. So I work late nights, emergency. So my issue is gonna be with me getting up there.”

— Andrew Perdue, Burbank Resident (abc7.com)

What’s next

The weekend closures will continue every weekend through Friday as crews work to complete the $23 million repaving project on the 5 Freeway in Burbank.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure project on a critical regional transportation artery will bring significant short-term disruption to commuters, but the long-term benefits of improved road conditions and reduced congestion could outweigh the temporary inconvenience.