I 10 freeway set to reopen sometime next week following closure due to fire

In a surprising turn of events, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced during a press conference on Thursday that the 10 Freeway, which has been closed due to a recent fire, is set to reopen by next week. The closure, initially expected to last for several weeks, has caused significant disruptions in traffic in and out of downtown Los Angeles.

Governor Newsom assured the public, stating, “One thing we can guarantee you is we will be open, five lanes in both directions, at the latest, Tuesday of next week.” He credited the relentless efforts of repair crews working tirelessly around the clock for this expedited timeline.

The closure resulted from a fire that broke out beneath the freeway, suspected to be arson, as confirmed by California Fire Marshall Daniel Berlant earlier in the week. The blaze, believed to have been intentionally set, inflicted severe damage to as many as 100 pillars supporting the heavily trafficked roadway.

During the press conference, Newsom highlighted the dedication of the workers involved in the repair efforts, including carpenters, laborers, teamsters, and cement masons. “With the extraordinary work of the men and women you see behind me… they got ahead two days on the debris removal, allowing [us] to retrofit the structure,” Newsom explained.

The governor and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both present at the press conference, expressed gratitude to the residents for their cooperation during the unexpected closure. Mayor Bass acknowledged the difficulties faced by the community and thanked those who adapted by working from home or utilizing public transportation.

Questions surrounding the cause of the fire and the ongoing criminal investigation persist. Governor Newsom mentioned a specific leasing company, Apex Development Inc., as “bad actors,” with the state involved in litigation against them. The company, which subleased space to various businesses, denies any wrongdoing and places blame on the local homeless population.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the incident, the repair efforts have been a top priority for both state and local authorities. The partnership between Newsom and Mayor Bass has been commended, with Newsom praising Bass as one of the “most hands-on mayors” in the country.

As the 10 Freeway prepares to reopen, the focus shifts to resolving the remaining questions about the fire’s origin and ensuring the necessary legal actions are taken. The incident has underscored the importance of infrastructure resilience and the challenges posed by unexpected events in urban areas.