101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles reopens after 24-hour closure for construction, repairs
A portion of the 101 Freeway was closed for nearly 23 hours over the weekend as construction crews worked on the 6th Street Viaduct project and conducted repairs.
CBS reporters took the rare opportunity to stand in the middle of the usually jammed freeway to detail the closures, which went into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday evening.
All lanes were reopened just after 9 p.m.
A two-mile stretch of the thoroughfare was shut down between the 10 Freeway and the 60 interchange, and officials predicted Monday morning traffic would be unaffected by the recent repairs.
Sky2 flew over the almost eerie scene, which displayed zero cars other than construction equipment and machinery.
Crews were working to restore the median and were making sure repairs under the 6th Street Viaduct were completed. Caltrans also took advantage of the closure to replace some of the slab on the road.
The $588 million project received funding from the Federal Highway Administration, the State of California and the City of Los Angeles, and is expected to be completed later in 2022.
When completed, the bridge will connect Boyle Heights with the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, while underneath the bridge, organizers detail a 12-acre park equipped with athletic fields and picnic areas.
Despite the temporary closure, residents were happy that changes were finally being made to the bridge -- which was originally built back in 1932 before it was demolished in 2016.
"I feel like it takes too long," said Vanesa Tortora. "You never know when they're gonna finish."
"It's about time for it to be fixed," said Monica Fernandez.
Mark Gallegos detailed that he's "happy to see it getting done," despite the closure being a "bit of an inconvenience."
Several detours were in place in and around the construction zone but it might be easier to avoid the area altogether, if possible.
Crews disclosed that overnight work would continue throughout coming weeks.