As the 10 Freeway remains closed for repairs, Mayor Karen Bass has requested there be an increase of white-glove officers to assist drivers and help with the influx of traffic.
Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure Randall Winston made the announcement on Wednesday. He also announced the Metrolink would be adding a lot more trains.
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“The Metrolink train is increased service from San Bernardino Covina coming from the Inland Empire to downtown and I'll get back to you on what the time saving is, but that is faster as well,” he said. “The E line…that’s 22 miles, 29 stops. Santa Monica, East L.A.
running along the 10, about 10% increase in speed. Really exciting.”
Winston noted that Mayor Karen Bass would be using the Metrolink, which she did with KNX News’ Craig Fiegener.
“It's actually been fine, comfortable, very quick, quiet,” Mayor Bass said about her trip on the Metro. “So, you know, it's the best thing to do right now, especially because there's so much traffic people need to stay on the freeway. If they get out of their cars, they're going to have a parking lot on the streets. So why bother? Why not take advantage of public transportation?”
Officials announced the closure of the 10 Freeway on Sunday due to a fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday.
Councilmember Kevin de Leon told KNX News the fire and the closure has led to “really unintended consequences.”
“There has been very severe ratification, like in Boyle Heights, where these semi truckers are now getting off exiting and they're rolling through the neighborhoods,” he said.
On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that repairs for the 10 Freeway would take three to five weeks.
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