Local and state authorities issued a public warning of a potential prolonged closure of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. This comes in the aftermath of a significant fire at a pallet yard, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency to expedite cleanup and repairs. Commuters on Monday were cautioned about potential disruptions as officials emphasized their commitment to a continuous, round-the-clock operation for safety evaluations and necessary repairs.
The closure affected both directions of the freeway between Alameda Street and Santa Fe Avenue, impacting connectors to Interstate 5, as well as the Hollywood (101) and Pomona (60) freeways. Despite a visit to the site by Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, no specific timeline for the freeway’s reopening was provided, but assurances were given regarding exhaustive efforts to expedite safety assessments and repairs.
Mayor Bass directed city departments to address the closure’s impact on commuters and residents, expressing ongoing communication with state partners and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. She stressed the urgency reminiscent of the 1994 Northridge earthquake recovery efforts, highlighting the need for swift action in repairing the damaged freeway structure.
Acknowledging the fire’s impact on an adjacent homeless encampment, Mayor Bass confirmed the relocation of 16 individuals to housing, asserting that no direct correlation had been established between the encampment and the fire. Urging the public to stay informed through emergency.lacity.gov, she emphasized transparency throughout the recovery process.
Governor Newsom, during a Sunday briefing, revealed that the property lease where the fire occurred was in violation, with litigation underway. He invoked emergency measures to streamline freeway reopening and assured the availability of resources, including 2 million pounds of steel.
Arson investigations were transferred from the Los Angeles Fire Department to Cal Fire, with assurances from officials that hazmat work would commence after the on-site investigation concluded by 6 a.m. Monday. Traffic management measures were emphasized, with Deputy District Director of Caltrans John Yang reporting structural engineers on-site for assessments.
Authorities recommended using public transportation and urged residents to avoid the affected area during rush hours. Freeway detours and increased Metrolink service were announced, with officials advising the public to plan ahead and stay updated on real-time information. Despite the freeway closure, Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed that schools and offices would remain open, with transportation services potentially affected.
The fire, reported early Saturday, led to a massive emergency response, involving 26 firefighting companies. The blaze consumed two pallet yards, with firefighters successfully preventing its spread to nearby buildings. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power provided assistance, managing water pressure and addressing fallen high-tension wires.
