Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

California Commuters Are In For a Nightmare After Freeway Fire Damage Shuts Down Highway More than 300,000 drivers use the road daily.

By Erin Davis

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, November 12, 2023 - Aerial views of the 10 Freeway a day after a large pallet fire burned below, shutting the freeway to traffic.

A massive fire in California raged under the busy 10 Freeway for hours over the weekend, causing so much structural damage it's now closed indefinitely in both directions.

The closure is set to make Los Angeles' already notorious traffic a commuting nightmare for city residents. The 10 Freeway is used by more than 300,000 drivers daily, per ABC News.

"As we made clear yesterday, this was a huge fire, and the damage will not be fixed in an instant," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass at a news conference Monday morning. "Engineers have worked all night and are working right now to determine our path forward."

As for when the road may reopen, Bass said: "We cannot give you an estimate of time right now."

On Monday, Los Angeles transportation officials warned drivers to expect "gridlock" and suggested they "work from home."

The cause of the fire is under investigation. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday.

Erin Davis

Entrepreneur Staff

Freelance Writer

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Want to Start a Small Business? Here Are the Best States to Try (and the Ones to Avoid).

Plus, here's how many businesses closed in your state last year.

Career

Personal Accountability Will Push You Forward and Help You Grow in Business and in Life — Here's How to Practice It

There is a startling lack of personal accountability today. Exercising personal accountability will push you forward both personally and professionally.

Leadership

How NFL Star Quarterback Kyler Murray Shut Down Internet Trolls and Turned His Love of Gaming Into a 'Call of Duty' Partnership

The Arizona Cardinals quarterback explains how he silenced critics and teamed up with the Call of Duty Endowment program to pursue his passion.