Top 10 Stories: 405 Closure

It's been a crazy year. From fish die-offs to reality television episodes to freeway news (and everything in between), Redondo Beach Patch writers were always busy. Here is the No. 2 most read story of the year, chosen by popularity and editorial discretion.

Los Angeles Avoids 'Carmageddon' (No. 2)

It was the stuff of nightmares: a 10-mile stretch of the 405 freeway would be closed for an entire weekend in mid-July for the demolition of part of the Mulholland Bridge.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa warned people that it would be "an absolute nightmare." L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl said, "Grab your calendar and put an 'X' on [July] 15, 16 and 17."

L.A. City Councilman Paul Koretz said, "Stay the hell away."

Some companies took advantage of the promotion. from Burbank to Long Beach airports and charged only $4.05 per seat.

In spite of—or perhaps because of—all the media coverage, the freeway was empty come July 15. Instead, it was "Carmaheaven" as the freeway opened hours ahead of the deadline.

Don't get too comfortable, though—the freeway will be closed again next year for the demolition of the other half of the bridge.

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