405 to Close for a Weekend Next Month

By Lookout Staff

June 8, 2011 – To avoid what wags are already calling “car-maggedon,” LA Metro is warning southland motorists to brace for a temporary shutdown of Interstate 405 next month.

The Mulholland Drive Bridge is slated for demolition so that lanes on the normally crowded freeway can be widened and a new high-occupancy lane can be added through the Sepulveda pass, Metro officials say. The closure will last for 53 hours over the July 16-17 weekend.

“Obviously, the best way to steer clear of the aggravation zone and reduce congestion is to stay home that weekend or make plans in the neighborhood, like catching a movie at the local theater,” County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky wrote in his blog. “If you’re supposed to work, try to change your schedule, take a couple vacation days or telecommute.

“I know virtually every shortcut in those parts—and none will work because of the sheer volume of vehicles being taken off the freeway,” Yaroslavsky added.

The northbound I-405 will be closed for ten miles between the Santa Monica I-10 Freeway and U.S. 101.

Southbound, the I-405 will be closed for four miles between U.S. 101 and Getty Center Drive.

In addition, preparations for the demolition will require intermittent closures on the Mulholland Drive Bridge before the freeway closes.

Metro officials warn of “severe traffic conditions” during the weekend shutdown and suggest motorists plan alternate routes.

For more information, see the Metro website.