LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Nov 14 that the 10 Freeway in Los Angeles is on track to at least partially reopen to traffic in three to five weeks. The major artery that serves 300,000 vehicles daily closed in both directions this weekend after a fire caused significant damage to up to 100 support pillars.

After testing samples and assessing damage from the site, state transportation officials currently believe the damage can be repaired without demolishing and rebuilding the 450-foot span of the 10 Freeway, which could have taken upwards of 6 months. Union crews are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to finish removing the extensive debris and shore up the pillars. These efforts are aimed at making the necessary repairs to safely reopen the freeway to moving traffic as soon as possible.

Additionally, on-site environmental monitoring is in place to fortify drains and ensure that every precaution is in place to contain area run-off due to incoming storms. An earlier evaluation of the site identified no highly toxic chemicals in the aftermath of the fire.

Critical materials for the repairs are already on-site and no supply challenges are anticipated at this time.

The Governor also announced that by the end of the week, the state will have a livestream of the construction work so the public can see the progress firsthand. Californians can visit Fixthe10.ca.gov for real-time project updates, alternate routes and public transit options.

“Thanks to the fast work of our first responders, workers and engineers, we now expect to be able to reopen the 10 Freeway to traffic in three to five weeks. California will continue working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get the job done and get Los Angeles moving again,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.