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Community Corner

Hollywood Residents and Visitors Unfazed by Carmageddon

Locals at Hollywood & Highland say that the 405 closure alerts have gone overboard while tourists are humored by the hype.

The infamous 405 Freeway closure dubbed “Carmageddon” and “Carpocalypse” has many Angelenos on the Westside ready to change their driving habits for the weekend.

However, a sample of people Hollywood Patch spoke to Friday afternoon at Hollywood & Highland didn't seem too worried about the closure of the 405 between the 10 and 101 freeways.

For those who haven’t seen the blinking signs over Southern California freeways or various celebrity tweets about Carmageddon, here’s a quick rundown:

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A 10-mile stretch of the 405 will shut down for an improvement project between the 101 and 10 freeways starting Friday night and will continue until 5 a.m. Monday. Construction officially begins midnight Friday but on-ramps will begin closing at 7 p.m. Lanes shut down at 10 p.m.

Hollywood locals know a thing or two about bad traffic. Hollywood & Highland alone can take more than a half hour to maneuver around by car or foot. So Hollywood Patch asked those bustling around the busy entertainment hub their thoughts on the freeway closure.

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“The mass hysteria has gone completely overboard,” said Brandon Davis, a 41-year-old Hollywood native. “I understand that’s a very populated freeway but around here, you are bound to get traffic at some point, closure or no closure.”

Jessica Trinidad, a 22-year-old street performer, wondered why anyone would even venture out onto the Westside freeways this weekend.

“Why is there even an assumption that people will want to drive on the 405 or near it?” Trinidad said with a laugh. “Make alternate plans! Do something downtown or come here to Hollywood! I’m going to either be sleeping or doing my usual routine right here at H&H. Come hang out with me if you want to get away from the crazy traffic.”

Tourists had a slightly different view. Some said they were a little worried about their travels, but anticipated dealing with traffic while in town.

“The car culture around here is ridiculous,” said Teng Li, a 32-year-old architect visiting from Florida. “I came with my family a few days ago and this is the first we heard of this. We were thinking of going to San Diego but scratched it. What gets me is how important these freeways are. I’ve used streets my entire life.” 

Hollywood may have more traffic than usual due to people avoiding Westside congestion and aiming to get in on some .

Also, the Red Line subway from the Valley to Hollywood will be free of charge this weekend. For those who take the bus, fares will be free for .

Caltrans has said that the 405 widening project to add car pool lanes will reduce existing and forecasted traffic congestion on the freeway. It could also add freeway capacity in an area that experiences heavy congestion—more than 200,000 cars a day.

There may be hope for what is known as one of, if not the, worst traffic cities in the country. Let’s just hope the 101 Freeway doesn’t close anytime soon.

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