HOLE SHUTS DOWN BRIDGE IN VALENCIA.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

A huge sinkhole opened early Tuesday on Bouquet Canyon Road, jamming alternate routes and closing the heavily used thoroughfare for at least a month.

The 15-foot-wide hole is on the eight-lane bridge that crosses the Santa Clara River near Bouquet Junction, where 50,000 vehicles pass daily.

The opening was discovered at 4:15 a.m. - after four drivers on the bridge hit the breaks and slammed together. There were no serious injuries, traffic officials said.

Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Lt. Daniel Castillo said Bouquet Canyon Road will be closed for at least one month, perhaps two, for repair. Commuters can expect daily traffic jams.

``Southbound traffic is being diverted at Newhall Ranch Road and northbound traffic is being diverted at Valencia Boulevard and Soledad Canyon Road,'' Castillo said.

The morning commute was a nightmare for David Tennemann, a Canyon Country banker, and thousands of others who normally drive over the Bouquet Canyon bridge.

``It took me about 45 minutes to get around this (mess), I started out 20 minutes earlier than usual today because of the rain and now I'll be more than 20 minutes late because of the hole,'' Tennemann said.

Tony Nisich, director of transportation and engineering services for Santa Clarita, said inspectors from various agencies in Los Angeles County and the city were at the scene throughout the day assessing the damage.

``What we've been trying to determine is how much, if any, foundation damage has been done,'' Nisich said.

After huddling with the California Highway Patrol, the Sheriff's Department and other agencies, Nisich said a report would be presented Tuesday night to the City Council to determine how long the work will take and how much it will cost.

``Obviously, we'd like to get going (on the repairs) as soon as possible because 50,000 vehicles use this road daily,'' Nisich said.

Santa Clarita spokeswoman Gail Ortiz said officials also are working to re-time area traffic signals to help vehicles move efficiently in the area.

To compound the situation, Ortiz said Metrolink will not be operating north of Sylmar today and no bus service will be available.

``That means that traffic has to go somewhere else, which is a problem, a big problem,'' Nisich said.

City officials are also worried about the impact the closure of such a busy thoroughfare will have on the Nissan Open, which is scheduled to begin Thursday at the Valencia Country Club.

``We're concerned about the golf tournament because there will be at least (35,000) to 40,000 additional travelers per day for the tournament, and a lot of national press will be here looking for other things to write about,'' Nisich said.

Alternate routes include Plum and Whites canyon roads, McBean Parkway and Via Princessa, Nisich said.

YOU CAN'T GET THROUGH

The following routes will be closed today in Santa Clarita because of flood damage:

METROLINK:

Metrolink will not operate today north of Sylmar. Bus Line 799 will operate via its normal route to downtown Los Angeles - it will not deviate to serve Sylmar, Burbank or Glendale stations. Valid Metrolink fare is honored on Line 799 at all times.

ROADS:

Wiley Canyon Road from Lyons Avenue to Calgrove Boulevard.

Sierra Highway from San Fernando Road to Placerita Canyon Road.

Southbound Sierra Highway south of San Fernando Road.

Westbound Soledad Canyon Road by the Saugus Speedway.

Sand Canyon Road from Lost Canyon Road to Placerita Canyon Road.

Northbound Golden State Freeway truck lanes at the Antelope Valley Freeway interchange.

TRAILS:

Valencia undercrossing near Creekside Road

Sierra Highway under crossing

Bouquet Bridge under crossing at Soledad Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard.

Source: City of Santa Clarita, Daily News

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Map, Box

PHOTO A Santa Clarita worker ropes off the damaged Bouquet Canyon Road bridge to traffic Tuesday.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News

BOX: (Ran in SAC Edition only) You can't get through (See text)

MAP: (Ran in SAC Edition only) Valencia