🚀 go-pugleaf

This chat was held on June 29, 2011 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM (PDT)
on Metro.Net to discuss issues pertaining to the planned closure of
I-405 on the weekend of July 16/17, 2011.

Good afternoon, Doug Failing and Krishniah Murthy. Thanks for hosting
today's live chat. Let's start out with the question everyone seems to
be asking:

Q 01:   Why does the freeway have to be closed for two solid days in
both directions, when it wasn't for the Sunset and Skirball bridge
demolitions.

Doug and Murthy: Since the Sunset and Skirball bridges had center
columns, we could demolish the bridge in two segments by closing the
freeway in one direction only. Here on the Mulholland Bridge, we have
a single span bridge with no center column. Therefore, we have to
demolish the half of the bridge as one span. We will do half now and
the other half after reconstructing the demolish half. Safety takes
top priority. The bottom line: It's impossible to safely conduct a
demolition operation over live traffic.

Doug:  We will reopen Monday morning by 5am, July 18th.

Q 02:   At what time and date will the 405 be closed, and at what time
and date do you expect it to be reopened? Brian Murphy

Murthy:  The closure will begin the evening of the 15th with a gradual
closure of the ramps starting as early as 7pm and lanes being taken
one at a time starting at 10pm for a full closure at midnight, July
16th.

Q 03:   Will there be adequate traffic control on Sepulveda and other
access roads to the Westside? Valerie Fields

Murthy and Doug:  Yes.  We are working with LADOT and the Unified
Command.  There will be traffic control officers out there.  Sepulveda
will be open to local access and recommend that anyone who does not
live in the mountain roads stay away from the area.

Q 04:   I would like to know what the Flyaway is going to do about the
closure of the 405 freeway on July 16th. Will there be service and
how. Thank you. Sharen Matye

Doug: The Van Nuys Flyaway will be running its regular schedule but
detouring through downtown Los Angeles. Travelers are being cautioned
on the Flyaway website to begin their trip to the airport at least 1-2
hours earlier than normal. If you absolutely have to go to the airport
on that weekend, another option is public transit (Metro or Metrolink)
to Union Station in downtown L.A. and catch the LAX Flyaway there. You
can also use the Metro Green Line and the shuttle. Go to the LAX
website for developing details: www.lawa.org/405 Or call the Flyaway
for updates 1-866-435-9529.

Q 05:   Will the closure affect the LAX traffic coming from Long
Beach? James Lee

Doug:  Potentially not.  We're a little more concerned about detour
traffic from the north who will try to take the 405.  From Long Beach
to LAX, you should be okay.  We will be monitoring traffic control and
relaying message on changeable message signs and with the media.  When
traveling check early and learn about real time traffic conditions.

Q 06:   Dear Gentleperson, I live in the San Fernando Valley
(Tarzana). My plane gets be back into LAX at about 1:00am on Monday
morning July 18. The freeway will reopen at 5:00am. I plan on taking
the Van Nuys Flyaway back to the Valley shortly after 1:am. Will the
Flyaway bus still be operating? Will it be allowed to use Sepulveda or
any other route for that matter? Thank you. Howard Amster

Doug:  Yes, you may want to check the LAX website for scheduling.
Visit www.lawa.org/405.  Thank you.

Q 07:   I understand there will be free Metro services during this
time. Does that mean free Metro Rail and Bus service? Helen Cook

Murthy:  We are working which lines will provide service.  We will be
providing free rail and some bus service.  Please visit www.metro.net/405
for a complete list.  thank you.

Q 08:   How far behind is the project overall? What is new projected
deadline for completion? Why isn't public kept better updated on
changes? For example, Sunset Bridge is definitely behind posted
schedule. Dan Harrison

Murthy:  The project is not currently behind schedule.  We are working
out the elements of the project, particularly those that require
coordination with other entities.  The project is on schedule.

Q 09:   It’s easy to understand the impact the closing will have on
the 405, 10, 101, and PCH. Can you share your predictions for the
potential impact upon freeways that are not directly connected to the
area involved – e.g. the 110, 105 and 5? Thank you. Hamilton Cloud,
office of Congresswoman Maxine Waters

Doug: In general, all the freeway routes in Los Angeles will
experience much higher volume and on some selected routes a great deal
more congestion during this weekend. The routes close to central
business district (5, 10, 60, 101, 110 and 210) will experience the
most congestion since these are the closest routes to the project
area. The idea of staying home and shopping locally isn't just for the
Westside and San Fernando Valley. It's really going to take all of us
Angelinos working together (downtown, South Bay, San Gabriel Valley
and Gateway Cities area) by staying home and shopping locally to keep
our region moving. Some of us can't stay home but most of us can. We
should.

Q 10:   Will ON-Ramps to I-405 approaching the closure be closed to
avoid adding to the inevitable congestion on I-405?

Doug & Murthy:  The ramp closures will begin at 7pm on the 15th to
allow for a gradual closure.  The connectors will close at the time of
the full closure.  However, there will be sufficient signage in
advance of closure alerting drivers.

Q 11:   Is it possible to take the train to the orange county fair
that weekend? I live in Simi valley and have tickets to see Dylan
Friday night at 8pm. I would like to take public transportation. Thank
you. Cs lande

Murthy: We're not sure about the connections but you're thinking
creatively and that's great. Make sure you check the Metrolink website
for times (metrolinktrains.com). And if that doesn’t work for you, try
Amtrak. Also check the County Fair website to make sure they have a
shuttle running between the Santa Ana Station and the Fair. It's a
great time to try it. Metrolink is going to supplement its current
weekend schedule by offering seven round-trips on the Ventura County
Line and nine additional trips on the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line
during the closure weekend. Metrolink will also offer its $10 Weekend
Pass, which will enable passengers to ride any Metrolink train, as
many times as they would like between Friday night at 7 p.m. and
Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. for one low rate.

Q 12:   My international flight arrives @ 2:30 pm Sat. July 16th and I
live in Westwood. What mode of transportation would you recommend and
what route? Will the Westwood Flyaway be running? Jennifer Garcia

Murthy & Doug:  We are partnering and coordinating with LA World
Airports on real time traffic.  Your best option is to visit www.lawa.org/405
for ground transportation options.  They will have detour and closure
information.

Q 13:
1. Will the signal lights for the alternative routes be synchronized
or timed to minimize the anticipated delays along the 405 corridor
(e.g. Sepulveda, Veteran, Bundy, etc) and major east/west bound
arteries (e.g. Sunset, Ventura Blvd)?

2. What is the anticipated affect of the closure on 10 FWY and 101
FWY’s

3. What if anything is being done to minimize the affected delays on
the 10 and 101 fwy’s?

4. How far east and west do you think the impact will be felt? Leslie
Severin Forrest

Murthy:  LA Dept of Transportation will be monitoring all the
signalized intersections to ensure the swift movement of traffic.

Doug:  We anticipate a lot of additional traffic on both freeways.  We
encourage people to stay home, shop locally, bbq.  The entire LA area
will be impacted and heavily congested if people do not take the
advice of not traveling that weekend.  Explore your community!

Doug:  We're getting the information out, using freeway service
patrols, deploying traffic assets available to us to minimize delays.
The best option for you as an individual is to avoid all routes.

Doug:  From the Ocean to the Downtown LA and Pasadena.

Q 14:   What happens to the Monday morning commute if the work isn't
finished?

Murthy: We plan to open the freeway by 5 a.m. Monday, July 18. The
contractor, Metro and Caltrans fully understand the public's concerns
about making sure the work is safely completed by early Monday
morning. The team has worked up a schedule and contingency plans that
will meet this deadline and we will be monitoring this every step of
the way.

Q 15:   Once the bridge is removed, what will the new bridge look like
and how long will it take to construct? Barry Geier

Murthy:  The new bridge will look exactly the same at the same
locations.  It will be longer and wider.  It will take us about 11
months to reconstruct the side we are demolishing on the weekend of
July 16th.  A year later approximately, we will demolish and
reconstruct the other side.

Q 16:   How are you handling any Medical Emergencies that might arise
over the weekend... For example: I live in the Antelope Valley and my
Family's Hospital is UCLA

Doug:  If there is an emergency and you are in AV, you would be better
off seeking emergency assistance locally.  You'll want to get to the
closest available hospital.  If you make a scheduled appointment, you
will want to plan ahead.

Q 17:   I'm flying in to LAX from Chicago to see friends on July 16th
and just found out about the freeway closure. Will I be able to get to
Pasadena without trouble? Robin

Doug: No. The LAX website (www.lawa.org/405) is advising arriving
passengers to take shared-ride transit to their destinations, rather
than having friends pick them up at the airport. The LAX website has
links to more than a half dozen public transit options. By picking up
the free shuttle to the Metro Green Line, to the Blue Line, to the Red/
Purple Line, to the Gold Line to Pasadena you can really experience
the greater share of our transit system in one trip and impress your
friends. Buy the Day Pass. It will be cheaper for you.

Q 18:   What is being doing to mitigate the traffic impacts through
the local cities impacted by the closure? Will there be traffic
directors / timed traffic lights? - Madison Chetwood

Murthy & Doug:  We are working with LAPD and LA Dept of Trans, both
will be monitoring traffic conditions on the street and evaluating
signalization.  The best mitigation is for people to avoid the area
and stay home - meet your neighbors!

Q 19:   What businesses will be closing over the July 16-17 weekend?

Murthy: We don't know every closure but we do know that the Skirball
Cultural Center, the Getty Center and Bel-Air Presbyterian Church are
all closing for the weekend so as to be good neighbors and not to
contribute to the congestion.

Q 20:   Are there any detours to help minimize delays for buses from
the Valley to the Westside? Or are you closing down bus service the
weekend of the 405 closure?

Doug: All normally scheduled lines will be running and only one line
will be detouring. Instead of running on the 405, Metro Rapid 761 will
run via Sepulveda Blvd. through the pass. Metro is also adding service
on Lines 2, 150, 534, 704, 720, 733 and 761. But passengers should
expect extended travel time when using services in West LA and the
southern SFV/405 area.

Q 21:   Will the rush hours highway rescue vehicles patrol the
highways that weekend? Shelly

Doug:  Yes.  In fact, we are putting additional resources out that
weekend that will supersede normal weekday scheduled service.

Murthy:  We strongly recommend that those who do not need to be on the
freeways, stay off the freeway.  We all have to do our part.  We
should avoid unnecessary travel trips unless absolutely needed.

Q 22:   Why isn't the 761 free? The subway doesn’t connect the Valley
to the Westside but the 761 does.

Doug: Stay tuned. Metro is considering that possibility. If it
happens, it will be announced on The Source on metro.net and on
metro.net/405.

Q 23:   Considering usual weekend volume, what times do you anticipate
the worst congestion on Saturday and Sunday? Thx, C Hughes

Doug:  Worst conditions may be between 10am and 2pm and again around
6pm until around 8pm.  We'd expect normal weekend conditions, but the
amount of delay will be higher due to traffic diversion.

Q 24:   My wedding is July 16th in Malibu off the PCH. We've hired a
shuttle bus for our guest but is there anything you can do/or suggest
we do to ensure our bus gets there on time? Aside from the obvious
"leave early"? Thanks!

Doug:  Really, the best option will be to plan ahead and leave early.
Your drivers may consider calling 511 to get real time traffic and
also visit metro.net/405 for alternate freeway maps.

Murthy:  You may also want to follow the project on our Twitter
account, Facebook or Nixle.  That will be another great source of
information.

Q 25:   Can a list of ramp closures and scheduled times be provided in
advance (or, if it has, can you point us to it)?

Doug & Murthy:  There is a list of ramp closures on the website.  Take
a look at the detour maps.  The ramps will begin closing as early at
7pm to set up for a complete closure by midnight.  www.metro.net/405

Q 26:   What is the latest you will know if any complications have
arisen such that the 405 will not reopen on schedule Monday morning?
Or will it be a moment by moment decision as Sunday night / early
Monday morning progresses? For example, will you know by 11pm Sunday
night that the freeway will definitely reopen per schedule? - Larry

Murthy:  We have broken the work elements into timed segments and have
an approach to monitoring these segments.  We have no reason to
believe it will not reopen on Monday by 5am for safe commuting.

Q 27:   In your 30 years with Caltrans, have you ever seen a freeway
closure as daunting as this one?

Doug: Yes. Following the Northridge earthquake, when I was with
Caltrans, I worked on the I-10, Newhall Pass Interchange, the State
Route 14 and I-5 closures. Among the most daunting was the I-5 tunnel
fire closure in 2007. A truck speeding in heavy rain lost control and
went sideways on a connector road creating a chain reaction that
involved 15 big rigs and cars, resulting in a fire inside a tunnel
underneath the I-5 and shutting down the I-5 for a very long, very
intense weekend. Traffic was backed up for hours. All of these were
challenges, both from an engineering and a traffic standpoint. But
with the public's cooperation we get through them. And that's what we
need to have happen with the 405 closure.

Q 28:   Will there be closures of certain 101 freeway exits nearing
the 101/405 to prevent congestion in the local communities. For
example, will the Haskell Ave exit of the 101 be closed given many
commuters may attempt to take this exit as the 405 will be closed?

Doug:  Yes, Haskell off ramps will be closed.

Q 29:   In many cases with all construction projects, things tend to
fall behind schedule. Is there any chance that this closure would need
to be extended? Have you already considered time to "pad" within that
53 hours?

Murthy:  We have analyzed the demolition process many times and have
contingency plans.  We are working with Caltrans very closely and have
every reason to believe that we will be open by 5am on Monday morning.

Q 30:   If something gets delayed and the freeway won't open as
planned - how soon would you have that information and when would it
be communicated to employers?

Doug:  The media will be broadcasting the status of the opening
throughout the weekend.  However, we have no reason to believe that we
won't be open by 5am.  We will.

Q 31:   Wouldn't it be better to invest in public transportation
instead of making such huge investments with the economy having seen
better days?

Doug:  Really in LA we're looking at a balanced transportation
system.  Metro is making heavy investments in the transit system as
well as selected highway projects.  We move people in many different
ways.  We need all different tools in our tool kit.

Murthy:  Not one technology moves all people.  Metro is aiming to move
all people.  We look at ways to add capacity and making the system
work smarter.

Q 32:   Will there be additional police and fire patrol through the
canyons that people will use as alternates? Will there be additional
signage reminding people not to throw cigarette butts out their
windows in these HIGH-FIRE DANGER zones?

Yes, both police and fire will be prepositioned within the closure
area to address traffic issues and emergency response issues.

Q 33:   Who's warning the tourists and trucks driving in from the
north that the freeway will be closed?

Doug: Caltrans has posted dozens of electronic freeway signs
throughout California to alert travelers planning on heading our way.
We have contacted the trucking industry directly and have established
trucking alternate routes. We've contacted media all over the state
and nationally. And since a lot of people use GPS devices, we're
working with Magellan, Tom Tom and Garmin to let their users know of
the closure. The goal is to get the word out to as many people as
possible, although there will of course be people who are surprised.
The hope is that there won't be too many.

Q 34:   Some of the Metro routes are already running above capacity
before this closure, how much excess capacity can we expect? Extra
buses or Metro cars.

Doug:  On weekends there is a reduction in the amount of traffic we
see generally on our system.  However, with the free rides we're
offering on the additional trains and buses, we anticipate higher
volumes.  However, best option will be to stay home.

Murthy:  SF Valley Citizens Adv Council have requested that certain
bus routes be increased.  We are exploring that with our Bus
Operations.

Q 35:   When will the next freeway closure to demolish the north side
of the Mulholland Bridge happen?

Murthy: In about a year.

Q 36:   I understand that 5 feet of dirt will be laid down on the
freeway to protect against damage caused by falling concrete. What
happens if you discover damage after the dirt has been removed?

Murthy:  Yes, we will cover the fwy with 5-6 feet of dirt so the fwy
is not damages.  However, should there be damages, we have standby
trucks with concrete & asphalt to make repairs prior to opening.  This
is our standard practice.

Q 37:   I work at UCLA on the weekends and live in the Valley. How am
I supposed to get there?
Doug: Try to change your work schedule. Do you have friends who live
near UCLA? Maybe you could join them for the weekend. Metro is making
the Metro Orange Line to the Red, Purple Line free for the weekend to
help travelers avoid the 405. Buses will be running but service delays
are expected. It all depends upon how many people decide they
absolutely must be out and about that weekend. We're hoping most
people will decide to stay home or close to home.

Q 38:   Why did you choose to close the 405 just when tens of
thousands of people would want to head to the beach in the middle of
July -- and what are such folks supposed to do if they still want to
get to the beach without going crazy? - Ajay Singh

Doug:  We are communicating early so that people who want to go to the
beach can plan ahead or go a different weekend.  This first closure is
during the summer.  And although there is a bit more traffic during
the summer, these trips are also discretionary and there is
flexibility in these trips.  We also coordinated with the local
schools along the Mulholland Corridor and to reduce the congestion it
was well timed to schedule during summer vacation.

Q 39:   Why not just demolish the WHOLE bridge? Why wait a year?

Murthy:  The bridge  connects the east and west and need to have the
ability to keep traffic moving.  Doing 1/2 at a time allows us to
demolish and reconstruct one side at a time while maintaining traffic
open to traffic on the other half.  It also allows emergency
responders to get from one side of the bridge to the other.

Q 40:   How did San Francisco survive when the Bay Bridge was closed
down a few years ago?

Doug: The bridge was closed for about 6 days in 2009 after several
pieces of an emergency repair snapped and crashed into the upper deck.
Luckily no one was hurt. They also had several long-weekend planned
closures because they were building new pieces and adding. They did it
over three days over long weekends. They prepared in exactly the same
way we're doing here … notifying everyone and using the same
techniques we're following. Somehow everyone coped with the closure.
My understanding is that BART had near record ridership and the
ferries were pretty full. Everyone made the best of it.

Q 41:   We live on Roscomare Road, a mountain road just east of the
405. We have already seen an increase in traffic with work on the
Sunset bridge. We have seen massive traffic jams with accidents on the
405. Will there by any traffic control on streets such as Roscomare
Road so that we are not trapped in our neighborhood?

Doug:  Through the Unified Command we are working very closely with LA
Dept of Transp.  The traffic control will be very dynamic and we'll be
monitoring.  If necessary, we'll be prepared to reposition resources.

Q 42:   I'd like to encourage offering free rides on the 761. As
someone else mentioned it is a rapid transit line that connects the
Valley to the Westside. Metro should use the 405 closure as an
opportunity to introduce Angelenos to transportation alternatives!
Thanks for the chat.

Doug:  Our Board has directed us to take a look at a number of bus
lines, 761 is one of them.  As staff continue to evaluate which lines
will be free, they will be posted on our website.  Please check back
often at www.metro.net/405.

Q 43:   What will be the traffic restrictions on the Mulholland Bridge
once the work starts and how long will the traffic restrictions be in
effect?

Murthy: The traffic will be trimmed back to 2 lanes (1 in each
direction) and will stay that way for the duration of reconstruction.

Q 44:   Thank you for making this live chat available, I am just
getting on now as I've had some child care issues so forgive me if
you've already answered some of my questions. This is Ginger Chan from
KTLA, I understand law enforcement wants to keep streets like
Sepulveda Blvd open to residents only, for their access. I'd like to
know if there will be barricades or officers checking ID?

Doug & Murthy:  Hi Ginger.  Sepulveda Blvd will be open for local
access.  There will be traffic control officers in the area to monitor
real time traffic conditions.  However, they will not be checking
ID's.  That would be contrary to the goal of moving traffic
expeditiously.

Q 45:   Why can't you leave one lane open in each direction?

Murthy: Because the potential for falling debris landing on the
freeway below creates dangerous conditions for motorists. That's why
we're lining the freeway with several feet of dirt -- to cushion the
falling debris, so that the freeway below isn't damaged.

Q 46:   With the closure only a couple weeks away why does it seem
like there are still a lot of things that haven't been determined yet?
Thanks, Steve

Doug:  The plan is in place.  All major decisions have been made.  The
only thing that we need to be prepared for is to move resources around
because in a City the size of LA traffic is fluid and we need to be in
a position to respond to those changes.  Traffic changes radically
from day to day and weekend to weekend.  For 31 years in this field, I
can attest to the fact that traffic changes and we must be prepared.

Murthy:  Citizens of this area have adjusted to traffic conditions in
LA.  This will be a little different.  So, planning ahead, avoiding
the impacted area or staying home will be a good option.

Q 47:   I work for a hospice agency. We service patients both in the
valley and los Angeles area. Will our staff be able to get to our
patients in an emergent situation?

Doug:  Facilities such as yours should have a contingency plan to get
your staff where they need to be during this weekend.  If there is an
emergency, please call 911.  There will be additional resources ready
to respond and pre-staged resources are being made available through
the closure area.

Q 48:   This is Ginger again, I have a few more questions. A Caltrans
employee stated that all other construction projects near the 405/Sep
Pass will be halted the weekend of July 16-17, can you confirm that?
Also, what else can we expect with this construction project? I heard
from a Caltrans employee an animal crossing is going to be built, is
that correct?

Doug:  Yes, Caltrans has contacted their other contracts and are
canceling other work.  This is true for the 405 and other major routes
being used to divert traffic.  Yes, there is an animal crossing over
the Skirball Bridge as was covered in the environmental document.

Q 49:   Will bicycles be allowed on Mulholland Drive during
construction, or will they be forced to use the tiny pedestrian path
on the north side of the bridge?

Murthy:  During the demolition weekend, Mulholland Bridge will be
closed.  However, during reconstruction, it will be open to traffic.

Q 50:   How will motorists on the Eastside be affected. will trips
along the 110 to downtown be affected by spillover traffic?

Doug:  Yes, spillover traffic will be felt region-wide.  We are
encouraging people through greater LA area to shop locally, get to
know your neighborhood.  Like during the Northridge earthquake and the
I-5 tunnel fire, we need to come together as a region and do our part.

Q 51:   Hello, my name is Jack, from Woodland Hills, my mother would
like to know if she may have access to Sepulveda Blvd in the closed
area at 4:00 a.m. on the 17th of July? She is due at the LAX. If no,
any alternative suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Doug:  Yes, she can use Sepulveda Bl and may experience delays.
Another option is for her to get to the Van Nuys Flyaway.  Feel free
to visit www.lawa.org/405 for ground transportation options.  She
might also want to check real time traffic by calling 511.

Q 52:   Were any other bridge demolition methods evaluated to avoid
freeway closures?
Murthy:  Yes.  This is the most appropriate for this location and type
of bridge.  Many options were looked at, all required freeway
closures.  Safety is of paramount support and this was the best
option.

Q 53:   Is it true that the southbound 405 freeway will be closed at
Burbank Blvd, so the 101 ramps will not be available?

Doug:  No, it isn't true.  The SB 405 will be open all the way to the
101 interchange.

Q 54:   What is the possibility that the freeway will not open as
planned on Monday morning?
Doug:  It is an exceedingly low possibility.  Our construction guys
have full control of the contractor and timing of the work. This has
been planned very closely and we are confident we will open by 5am on
Monday.

Q 55:   I am most concerned about getting to and from work on Friday
evening and Monday morning, what is the absolute earliest and latest
that the ramps will close and open?

Murthy:  The ramps will close as early as 7pm on Friday and open by
6am on Monday.

Q 56:   I had a question, here at Saint John’s Hospital we have a lot
of emergency on-call staff that are called in 24/7. With that said,
will there be any type of consideration given to hospital staff that
are being called in when the 405 closure goes into effect? Any
information would be extremely helpful or if you had contact
information on who I can check with, that would be just as helpful.
Thank you!!! Andres Vasquez

Murthy & Doug:  The Unified Command will be available to address any
emergency requests.  They have the largest air fleet and are ready to
respond.  If there is a critical care surgeon with a critical need
they have the ability to respond.  Your hospital may also want to have
pre-staged medical personnel to respond during this weekend.

Q 57:   Will electronic message signs give a specific route to LAX
from I-5/CA-14?

Doug:  They will not.  Traffic is too dynamic.  If we provide a
specific route, it will be crowded immediately.  We do not provide
specific routes.  Instead, we provide them options.  For those of you
who have those devices, we are working with Tom Tom, Magellan and
Garmin to provide real time traffic information and closures on them.
Another great option is to call 511 for real time traffic conditions.

Q 58:   Will the more heavily traveled ramps, like Santa Monica Blvd -
close latest and open earliest?

Doug:  Not necessarily.  They will be closed and opened in a logical
order either north to south or south to north.  All will be open by
6am Monday and none will be closed before 7pm on Friday.

Q 59:   That's all the time we have for questions. Doug, Murthy, any
final thoughts?

Doug:  We're working very closely with the Unified Command.  Moving
traffic is very hard any time.  Coming together as Angelenos for
unplanned emergencies is something that we've very well in the past.
Now that we have time to plan for it, let's make sure we do the same.
Rent a good movie, walk to a local restaurant, bike to a local store
and spend quality time with your family!

Murthy:  Metro, Caltrans, City of LA, County of LA and other
jurisdictions recognize this is going to be very challenging.  We
understand that and are planning for all contingencies.  We will open
by 5am on Monday morning.  We thank you for planning ahead, avoiding
the impacted area or staying home.  Together we will celebrate a
successful reopening on July 18th!