In anticipation of the planned 53-hour closure of the I-405 freeway between the I-10 and U.S. 101 for demolition work on the Mulholland Bridge, Metro will hold an interactive Live Chat on Friday, September 21, 2012.

Please join our special guest LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky to discuss this event. Submit questions or comments in advance before the discussion. Send question/comments to livechat@metro.net

Notes & Tips: Use “Live Chat” in the Subject line of your email. Questions submitted in advance will be answered during the chat period. Questions under 300 characters will receive priority consideration. More info here: http://www.metro.net/news/livechat/

And here's a message from Zev:

I’ve referred to this second 405 closure as “Carmageddon on steroids.”

Metro’s contractor will once again be battling time to complete the final demolition of the iconic Mulholland Bridge on Sept. 29-30, only this time there will be 30 percent more work to do in the same 53-hour period. That’s because this year, two sets of columns, as well as the bridge’s span over the I-405, must be torn down.

Carmageddon II, as it is widely known, will face the exact same challenges that created heartburn for transportation, law enforcement and other emergency responders last year. Nothing has changed.

The I-405 is still the nation’s busiest freeway, with half a million weekend motorists. There are no immediate or effective north/south alternatives directly connecting the Valley with the Westside.Connecting freeways like the I-10 and U.S. 101 are also major interstates with their own traffic congestion challenges on weekends.There is still limited elasticity in the overall L.A. regional freeway network to accommodate diverted 405 motorists.

The key to the success of this closure operation again hinges on the public’s cooperation. Plan ahead, avoid the area and eat, shop and play locally.

Will the public heed the call again to stay off local roadways and freeways and enjoy a car-free weekend with friends and family? I have every confidence the public will indeed rise to the occasion again and cooperate with authorities.

Join me on this live chat to answer any and all questions related to “Carmageddon II” and how you can do your part to help keep L.A. roads and freeways safe. We’ll offer tips on how to enjoy another car-free weekend that includes walking, biking and public transit on Sept. 29 and 30. I look forward to your questions.

Zev Yaroslavsky,

L.A. County Supervisor

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