This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Carmageddon II Is 'Carmaheaven,' 405 Freeway Re-Opens Early
Photo by Robbie via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
As it turned out, when it came to Carmageddon II, contractors hired to complete the demolition of the Mulholland Bridge over the 405 Freeway in the Sepulveda Pass didn't have to worry about missing their deadline; the heavily-traveled stretch of roadway was re-opened to the public after cleanup several hours before schedule.
Shortly after 8 p.m. it was announced that the 405 would be ready for use earlier than the 5 a.m. Monday plan:
SU-ALL: The process of opening the freeway has begun! Northbound 405 will open first, followed by southbound 405. http://t.co/VyIty8Bx
— I_405 (@I_405) October 1, 2012
The Northbound side of the 405 was open just before 10 p.m., and the Southbound at around 11:30 p.m.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called the weekend of the closure a "resounding success," according to City News Service. Major traffic jams did not snarl our city streets, though Sunday morning getting around was complicated by the Herbalife Triathlon, which forced drivers off most North-South streets that cross Venice Boulevard or Olympic Boulevard all the way from Fairfax to Downtown.
Villaraigosa called the weekend "Carmaheaven," and was grateful many Angelenos heeded the warnings and stayed away from the Sepulveda Pass.
...Well, except for that newlywed couple out for a stroll, and the five other people detained for trespassing.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
