News Summary
Los Angeles is grappling with heightened public safety issues as the newly opened 6th Street Viaduct has been closed for the fourth time in five days due to illegal activities. LAPD has indicated that these actions are necessary to address significant safety risks. Incidents have included dangerous cycling and street takeovers, prompting city officials to consider installing speed bumps and surveillance cameras to enhance safety. The bridge, opened just weeks ago, is quickly being recognized not for its intended purpose but rather its association with reckless behavior.
Los Angeles is facing ongoing public safety concerns as the newly opened 6th Street Viaduct has been shuttered for the fourth time in five days. The closures have been initiated by the LAPD due to incidents of illegal activity with an unclear scope, though the department has indicated they are reacting to significant safety risks.
The latest closure, announced via a tweet by the LAPD on a Tuesday night, has raised alarms among city officials and residents alike. While specific instances of illegal activity were not disclosed, social media footage has shown large groups of bicyclists riding dangerously along traffic lanes, leading to this intervention.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore has noted plans to install speed bumps on the bridge in an effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, including street takeovers and reckless stunts that have recently become commonplace on the structure. Officials indicate these measures are crucial to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians as the bridge was only opened to the public two weeks ago.
Since its opening, the 3,500-foot bridge has quickly turned into a hotspot for illegal racing and vandalism, resulting in multiple closures. One notable incident involved a driver who rear-ended a pickup truck parked illegally on the bridge. This led to police escorting several individuals off the structure.
Shortly after the bridge’s initial reopening, approximately 200 people gathered for a spontaneous street takeover, with some climbing over safety barriers to observe the activity. This was not an isolated event; another street takeover attracted more than 250 attendees, culminating in an outbreak of violence and vandalism.
City Councilman Kevin de León stated that the city is considering installing cameras on the bridge to monitor ongoing illegal activities. The 6th Street bridge, which officially opened on June 10 after a celebratory weekend, has become more than just a transportation route; it has drawn attention for the wrong reasons since its construction was completed at a cost of $588 million.
The bridge replaced a historical structure that was built in 1932, which had to be demolished due to safety concerns stemming from its concrete quality. Despite the bridge’s new design significantly improving traffic flow—with average speeds increasing by 22% on 4th Street and 41% on 7th Street during morning rush hours—its popularity for unlawful activities overshadows these statistics.
Prior to the latest closures, the bridge saw its first enforcement action on July 17—less than a week after opening—when a driver was observed performing donuts and caused a three-car collision. This incident was one of many that have complicated safety efforts on the bridge, which has become synonymous with social media incidents—including a barber cutting hair in traffic, graffiti displays, and street racing attempts.
In light of growing public safety concerns, city officials have announced that they will continue to monitor the bridge’s activities closely and implement further safety measures to mitigate illegal behaviors that have led to these recurring closures. The challenging balance between maintaining a public space for recreational use and preventing lawlessness is evident as the city navigates these ongoing concerns.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- FOX LA
- Daily News
- Inrix
- Hagerty
- Wikipedia: LAPD
- Google Search: 6th Street Bridge
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles public safety concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles
- Google News: 6th Street Viaduct closure
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
