Just incase you’ve been out of the loop for the past few months or since the news was widely spread by popular superstars’ tweets and messages, you may be well aware that Los Angeles’ infamous 405 freeway will be completely closed down on July 16 & 17th, with Friday evening (15th) already being the time as it slowly closes for the weekend. Well, intense may be an understatement, as approximately 281,000+ daily vehicles travel through one of the world’s busiest freeways. Los Angeles alone is home to millions as it increases to multiples during the day – in millions. Scheduled for a 53-hour completely closed period through the weekend between the Santa Monica (I-10) and the Ventura (US-101) freeways, you’re definitely going to want to make some revisions to your desired weekend plans if you haven’t done so already.
The widely popular expression termed “Carmageddon” has us already looking ahead at the quite shocking closure of such a highway, being one that is at the heart of the city. As some may see it as a completely stupid occasion and are willing to complain (which we’ve seen), so be it. However, others may take it for the positive to possibly stay home, lay back and relax with the ones you love. And for those who stay home anyway, keep doing what you’re doing.
With that said, it’s almost like a reaction waiting to happen, but there are working alternatives to get you through town. If the main freeway is closed down, no doubt expect every other of your lovely shortcuts to be occupied by someone who needs or wants to get through. In other words, avoid the other sister street of the 405 – Sepulveda.
As construction officially goes underway beginning early evening on Friday, July 15th (officials say closing at 7PM – lanes at 10PM), make sure you leave work early and avoid the traffic. We can say, it’s going to be quite horrible to be one of the few after that time that will take possibly hours or so to get back to your desired destination, unfortunately.
We’ve laid out some reference points and tips to get you around town during the 405 closure. If you are coming into town or know someone who is, alert them to avoid horrendous traffic disasters. Keep in mind these are subject to change, but we’ll have you covered anyhow. Catch them after the break.
Carmageddon – Where to watch it live & helpful pointers
Airlines have been offering discounted flights within the Los Angeles areas, and in addition, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has been encouraging citizens to leave their car at home to further avoid the traffic conditions. We’ll all have a chance to find out how all of this goes down with a number of live streams:
- Caltrans is sharing several traffic camera live streams from freeways around Los Angeles, with each feed switching cameras for multiple looks. Check these multiple cameras along the 5 and 60 fwys, multiple cameras along the 10, 105 and 605 fwys, multiple cameras along the 101 and 110 fwys as well as multiple cameras along the 134 and the closed-off 405 fwy
- ABC 7 Los Angeles streams newscast live at 4PM and 7PM, Pacific Time.
- Fox LA streams various shows including its morning program Good Day L.A. and its Fox 11 show online. (4:30AM through 11:30PM)
- Avoid Sepulveda (sister street to the 405 and Ventura)
- The Red Line metro from the Valley to Hollywood will be free of charge for the weekend of Carmageddon
- Take the Metro if needed to avoid traffic jams – JetBlue recently sold out of $4.00 airline tickets to and from Long Beach and Burbank airports, you’re lucky if you got one! Let us know!