Traffic alert: Marathon nightmare

Nothing can ruin your weekend quite like Los Angeles Marathon traffic! So here's your guide to avoid getting stuck. Here's the short version from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation:

The new marathon route starts at Cahuenga and Lankershim near Universal City, and ends in downtown L.A. at 5th & Flower. Note that this is a point-to-point route, rather than a large loop. Cahuenga Boulevard will be closed to all vehicular traffic starting at 5 a.m.  It will reopen at approximately 10 a.m. Residents of the Hollywood Hills who normally use Cahuenga Boulevard to get to or from their homes will be unable to use Cahuenga Boulevard during this time. They will need to make alternate plans or stay home.

Freeway ramps in this area will be severely impacted. Some marathon participants will choose to park near the finish line in downtown L.A., while others will attempt to park near Universal City, so there is likely to be significant congestion at both locations. The Metro Red Line will shuttle many participants to or from their cars. Beginning Saturday evening, March 1, the area bounded by 3rd Street, Grand Avenue, 5th Street and Flower Street will be closed to install the marathon finish line stage.

Before and during the race, vehicular traffic cannot cross the route at any time. Sweepers will begin cleaning the route after the last runner. During the cleaning operation, traffic will be allowed to cross the route at the following 15 crossing points until the cleaning is completed and all traffic controls have been removed from the route, allowing the streets to be reopened: Sunset & Vine; Santa Monica & Vine; 3rd & Rossmore; 6th & Western; Harvard & Wilshire; Normandie & Washington; Jefferson & Normandie; Adams & Grand; Figueroa & Washington; Figueroa & Pico; 11th & Broadway; Alameda & Olympic; Olympic & Santa Fe; 6th & Alameda; and 7th & Broadway.

Drivers within the area bounded by 3rd, Soto, 11th and Figueroa are likely to experience problems entering and exiting due to the huge loops and backtracks of the race route. Persons with unessential travel should avoid driving in all areas affected by the event. The Hollywood, Harbor and Santa Monica freeways provide the best options for crossing the route. The Metro Red Line may also be used.

http://trafficinfo.lacity.org/lamarathon.html

Comments

[James]

Haha, found something funny about this los angeles marathon: http://www.cafepress.com/la_marathon

[Kate]

Also there are maps available from LADOT, accessible through their website with links from the L.A. Marathon site. There's lots of information out there, and has been for quite some time.