Community Corner

Carmageddon: Survival Guide for the 405 Freeway Closure

Trapped in town for the weekend? Here's how to make the most of it!

As Los Angeles County residents have heard repeatedly in recent weeks, the I-405 will undergo 10-mile closure between routes 10 and 101 on the weekend of July 16-17.

The specific boundaries of the closure are the 10 miles between the I-10 and U.S. 101 on the Northbound I-405 and the 4 miles between the U.S. 101 and the Getty Center Drive Ramps on the Southbound I-405.

In advance of the 53 hour closure, which is set to begin no earlier than 7 p.m. on Friday July 15, and should be completed by 5 a.m. on Monday, July 18, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority is encouraging motorists to "plan ahead, avoid the area or stay home."

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In an effort to help you do just that, here a six suggestions we think will make carmageddon far less painful.

1. Embrace Two-Wheel Transportation

Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What's certain is that Los Angeles' major highways; including the 210 along with California Routes 2, 110 and 134 as well as Interstate-10, will all see increased congestion between the evening of Friday, July 15 and the morning of Monday, July 18.

What's not certain is how neighborhood streets will be impacted. Though increased local traffic in neighborhoods like Sierra Madre is unlikely, this coming weekend should serve as daunting wake-up call to those of us overly reliant on cars. So take the opportunity to take a the ole' bicycle out for a ride. Just don't run any stop signs.

2. Throw a Block Party

Like it or not, we're all going to be stuck in the neighborhood together this weekend. Why not make the most of it?

Stoke up your grill and toss stock up on supplies from some of the neighborhood's fine locally owned grocery shops. offer a wide supply of organic meats and vegetables. And a quick visit to or is sure to make any Carmageddon party complete.

3. Embrace the Local Nightlife

If you're a Sierra Madre resident who typically spends their weekends in Los Angeles, there's never been a better time than now to change that. Browse Patch's directory of local restaurants and shopping opportunities to map out a fun weekend.

4. Hang out in the Park

Unless you've got a private helicopter, chances are you're not going to the beach this weekend. However, you can still soak up some sun locally. Sierra Madre is home to where you can go for a hike, toss around a frisbee, relax with a book or run around with the family dog. In fact, we recently published an article that rounds up Sierra Madre's best outdoor hangouts.

5. Embrace Public Transportation

If you must leave the neighborhood this weekend, rail is your best bet. While you'll have to pay full price for a Gold Line ticket, you can ride for free once you hop onto the red, orange or purple lines.

Select bus fares will also be reduced. Check Metro's website for more information.


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