In true Hollywood fashion, a sequel to Carmageddon was inevitable.
Carmageddon II will be unleashed on Angelenos Sept. 29 and 30, forcing people in the L.A. region to do the unthinkable – not drive. The 405 Freeway will once again be closed northbound between the 10 and 101 freeways and southbound between Highway 101 and the Getty Center Drive ramp.
About 250,000 motorists travel on the 405 Freeway through the Sepulveda Pass on a typical weekend day, and officials are asking people to stay close to home during the freeway closure.
"Carmageddon weekend is fast approaching, and Angelenos will again face a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy a car-free weekend in Los Angeles," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement. "We want to encourage everyone who is excited about the possibility of a L.A. lifestyle not solely predicated on driving to use this opportunity to rediscover Los Angeles by foot, bicycle and Metro."
Patch will be live-blogging the latest Carmageddon updates and stories, from closure to re-opening, beginning Friday. Check your local Patch site all weekend for the latest news.
The first Carmageddon was in July 2011, when workers tore down the south side of the Mulholland Drive bridge. During the Carmageddon II weekend, crews will completely demolish the bridge.
Overall, the $1 billion project will add a 10-mile carpool lane and remove and replace three bridges – at Skirball Center Drive, Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive. It will also realign 27 on-and-off ramps, widen 13 existing underpasses and build 18 miles of sound wall. Improvements are expected to be complete by the fall of 2013.
Carmageddon II impact on drivers:
- Ramps will begin closing as early as 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, within the freeway closure limits. Lanes will begin closing as early as 10 p.m. on Friday.
- Full closure of the I-405 begins Saturday at 12:01 a.m. The northbound I-405 is closed from the I-10 to U.S. 101. The southbound I-405 is closed from the U.S. 101 to the Getty Center Drive ramps. The Mulholland Bridge and Haskell ramps close, as well as northbound U.S. 101 connectors from the I-405.
- The I-405 is scheduled to reopen Monday, Oct. 1, at 5 a.m.
More helpful Carmageddon information:
- : Hundreds of L.A. businesses are offering specials during Carmageddon weekend.
- Carmageddon live-chat.
- Westside Carmageddon Bike Ride: Roll around the Westside and take advantage of (hopefully) empty streets.
