Short Term Freeway Closures Planned for Downtown Los Angeles Area, April 22, 2014

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) would like to forewarn motorists to avoid the northbound US-101 freeway, on April 22, 2014, within the downtown Los Angeles region.  In anticipation of a significant number of attendees for the funeral services and subsequent procession to the interment location for LAPD Officer Christopher Cortijo, the CHP and LAPD, in partnership with Caltrans, will close the US-101 northbound freeway access for motorists between I-110 and Barham Boulevard.  In addition, the I-110 northbound and southbound transition lanes to the US-101 northbound lanes and will be closed to motorists.  Motorists traveling northbound on US-101, approaching I-110, will be diverted onto the north or south transition lanes of I-110.  Numerous city streets, surrounding the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, at 555 W. Temple Street, will also be closed off to motorists earlier in the morning.

When:
Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 10:30 a.m. to Noon

Where:
US-101 northbound, between I-110 and Barham Boulevard
I-110 transition lanes to northbound US-101

Why:
Anticipated high volume of traffic and attendees for LAPD funeral services

CHP advises motorists to plan ahead by leaving early for your destination if you must travel to the downtown Los Angeles Area, or avoid the area altogether.  Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen reminds motorists to “Consider adding 30 minutes or more to their commutes into downtown Los Angeles and to use public transit.  Everyone’s cooperation and support of this funeral procession for Officer Cortijo will help ease traffic conditions throughout the area.”

Metro provides numerous transit alternatives in the Downtown Los Angeles area for motorists who want to avoid freeway impacts. Key services include the Metro Red/Purple Line, as well as Metro Local and Rapid Bus lines. Please use the Metro Trip Planner on Metro.net to plan your transit trip. Alternately, motorists with transponders on their vehicles are encouraged to use Expresslanes on the I-110 in efforts to shorten vehicle travel times. Motorists are also encouraged to monitor downtown traffic conditions in real-time by visiting Go511.com and basing their route choices on current traffic conditions.

The CHP, Metro and Caltrans jointly express their heartfelt sympathy to the family of Officer Cortijo, the LAPD for the loss of a brother, and the City of Los Angeles for the loss of a fine officer.  All agencies extend their thanks to the community and allied agencies for the support and cooperation on this day of mourning.

Any questions on freeway closures may be directed to CHP Southern Division PIO Unit, at 818-240-8200; Questions regarding street closures should be directed to LAPD or the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.