Carmageddon to Paralyze Los Angeles After All?

Carmageddon is underway in Los Angeles- as if anyone could forget after this week. Los Angeles drivers have had ample warning about the coming Carmageddon, since the announcement that 10 miles of Interstate 405 would be closed this weekend. As such, drivers should have been able to develop alternate routes for travel, or ensure that they didn't have to drive much this weekend. If they have, then perhaps this highway Armageddon won't be so horrific after all.

The media certainly did a lot to further the hysteria, after it came up with the Carmageddon nickname to begin with. But it may have been justified, since Interstate 405 is one of the busiest highways in the country, and Los Angeles is virtually dependant on cars and highways.

Those who have to go on the road Saturday and Sunday are bound to get in a lot of traffic jams. But after all the hype about what's to come, will it truly reach Armageddon levels? Or will it be another case of media inflation, like when seemingly massive storms turn out to be nothing?

Of course, media hype does inspire massive preparation for the worst, which isn't always a bad thing. Even when a crisis turns out to be nothing to worry about, it is often better to be safe than sorry. After all, it's better than underselling something that becomes much more serious.

In this case, the 405 shutdown will be much ado about nothing if there aren't massive traffic jams, after all the hype and nicknames. But if there isn't, then it will be a victory for Los Angeles, as it shows that its warnings to drivers were heeded.

If things don't turn out so badly, then it will serve as a good sign for next year, when the process starts all over again. The 405 is being closed because the city is rebuilding a part of the Mulholland Drive bridge, and is planning to replace another portion next year.

As such, there will be a Carmageddon 2, but can the sequel live up to the original? Los Angeles is the birth place of several disappointing sequels, although even disappointing events can get them. This original event is disappointing so far, at least to those who want to see massive jams.

But according to the Los Angeles Times, the real madness will come in the afternoon, when "weekend traffic reaches its peak." This could clog alternative routes like the 110 freeway, 405 freeway south and the Canyon Roads after all.

For those outside of Los Angeles, Carmageddon has been much more fun to talk about than it is for those who have to live through it. Outsiders can see the results on a webcam at KABC, while the drivers hope to disappoint viewers and get to home or work quickly.

Sources

CNN International- "Carmageddon officially on in Los Angeles"

Los Angeles Times- "Carmageddon: Too early to declare traffic victory"

KABC- "Carmageddon- 405 Closure Construction Cam"