During a press conference on Monday morning, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the closure of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway in downtown Los Angeles “is disrupting in every way.”
“Whether you are talking about traveling to and from work or your childcare plans and the flow of goods and commerce, this will disrupt the lives of Angelenos,” she said.
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She also said she was avoiding unnecessary delays.
“I have made it clear with our local state and federal partners that any unnecessary bureaucracy or delays are not happening here,” she said.
The mayor also went into detail about the three-pronged approach she was taking.
“From the city's traffic center and our emergency operations center to address the traffic impacts of this closure,” she said. “With our local state and federal partners getting the 10 freeway up and running as fast as possible and bringing accountability to that effort. And finally providing updated and detailed information to ensure that our communities and commuters are well informed.”
She encouraged residents to check travel navigation apps as well as their morning commutes. She also urged employers to have their workforce “work remotely.” She also suggested people consider transir.
“I want everyone to understand that we are acting urgently and we will not stop,” she said. “I want to make sure that the city upholds our end of the bargain to Angelinos."
Mayor Bass later added that she contacted U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is expected to send the Federal Highway Administrator.
L.A. Department of Transportation General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo said those traveling in or around downtown L.A. to use public transit.
“If you must drive and your destination is outside of downtown Los Angeles, we urge you to remain on the freeway in order to avoid the local streets,” she said. “You can transition from the 10 freeway to the 5, the 101 and the 110.”
She added that those traveling to downtown L.A. will need to use surface streets.
“If you are taking a parent, if you are a parent taking a child to any of the six public or private schools in the impacted area, our engineers have developed a detour map to ensure people can access their destination,” she said.
Another press conference is expected to occur at 10 A.M.
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