LA Traffic Is Worse, But Not Terrible, After Freeway Disaster (And Other Headlines)

If you’re looking for something to occupy your time while sitting in all the (extra) traffic this week, consider tuning into LAist 89.3 to hear all about what’s contributing to it.

The 10 Freeway closure's traffic impact

The now-closed section of the 10 Freeway near downtown is likely weeks away from reopening after a recent fire. The consensus seems to be that while traffic is worse than usual, it isn’t apocalyptic. Like, it could be worse…right?

On Monday, we saw a 15% traffic increase on streets near the closure. Then on Tuesday, the detour routes – which include portions of the 101, and 110 – saw 26% more drivers than normal. But we’ve avoided “carmageddon” 3.0, in part because L.A.’s gridlock-navigating veterans are filtering through a web of freeways and surface streets crisscrossing the impacted area.

So, where are all those cars going? To freeway-adjacent neighborhoods, already plagued by some of the worst air pollution in a city infamous for its smog.

My colleague Mariana Dale breaks down the breakdown for you here.

Stay sane in all that traffic, L.A. There’s more news below — just keep reading.

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Wait! One more thing...

Harvard-Westlake expansion opponents vow to keep fighting

Golfers play a round on the Weddington golf course in Studio City.

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City of L.A.

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Know that golf course along the L.A. River in Studio City? College prep school Harvard-Westlake wants to transform it into a student athletic complex – their 17-acre “River Park Project.” On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to approve the plan.

But some nearby residents aren’t happy. They’re concerned about traffic, noise, and loss of open space accessible to the public. For example, a nine-hole game of golf at the Weddington Golf and Tennis property currently costs $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.

The school claims there are plans to keep some of the property open for public use. They’ll also let outside clubs and teams use it when Harvard-Westlake students aren’t.

Opponents aren’t done fighting, however. After Tuesday’s vote, they filed an ethics complaint against two Harvard-Westlake alumni on the city’s nine-person planning commission for not recusing themselves from a key vote.

Read the full saga here.