By Ted AYALA

Drivers traveling through the intersection of Verdugo Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue had soon better allow a little extra time for their commute.

City of Glendale Public Works is breaking ground on a street improvement project that will give a facelift to the intersection.

According to the agency’s director, Steve Zurn, the improvements will comprise new pavement, concrete and lane realignment.

“We’re breaking ground on the project this Monday,” he said.

The project, which city staff estimates will cost $630,000, is the first of a series of road improvement projects the city is about to embark upon.

Improvement of the Verdugo and Honolulu intersection will kick off projected improvements that are scheduled to continue through 2015.

Future projects include pavement and concrete rehabilitation and replacement along Pennsylvania Avenue off the 210 Freeway through Markridge Road scheduled for late this year, followed by similar renovations for the intersections of Verdugo Road and Montrose Avenue, and then later along the periphery of La Cañada near Verdugo and Oceanview boulevards.

The project is something that the city has been planning for the past five years, Zurn said.

He also recommended that drivers take notice of the work about to be performed.

“Generally, the work will be ongoing on a daily basis beginning from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m.,” he said.

Despite the challenges the construction work may pose to commuters, Zurn says that the ultimate result will result in a “positive impact” for traffic.

“Construction isn’t painless,” he said.

  Ted Ayala