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

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the jobs of human drivers are safe for the next decade, but after that, another type of driver will take over.

Business News

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Business News

'I Love Doing Product Reviews': Bill Gates Stepped Down from Microsoft in 2020, But Admits He Still Spends 15% of His Time Working at the Company

In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates also said he is still close with Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella.

Branding

How to Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your Early-Stage Startup

Branding might not be your first priority, but neglecting it can hurt your startup. A strong brand identity early on sets the stage for marketing success.

Business News

Elon Musk's DOGE Is Hiring People Eager to 'Work Long Hours' to Eliminate 'Waste, Fraud and Abuse' in the Government. Here's How to Apply.

The Department of Government Efficiency is hiring U.S. citizens to help cut spending and headcounts in the federal government.