Los Angeles highway I-10 freeway reopens ahead of Thanksgiving 2023

A critical section of the Los Angeles highway, closed due to an arson fire, reopened on Sunday night ahead of Thanksgiving 2023 Holiday. The reopening of the elevated Los Angeles freeway came several days ahead of the initially planned timeframe and weeks before the initial repair estimates. The I-10 freeway, a vital route with over 300,000 daily drivers, had been shut down since a fire on November 11 damaged the road and nearly 100 support columns.

The intentional and maliciously set fire, fueled by pallets, vehicles, and construction materials stored under the highway, prompted the closure. State Fire Marshall Daniel Berlant confirmed the arson nature of the fire. While no arrests have been made in the investigation, authorities are treating it as a criminal act. The incident resulted in no reported injuries but displaced 16 unhoused individuals.

Cal Fire released surveillance images of a person of interest on Saturday, described as approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 170 to 190 pounds, with black hair.


"Traffic is now flowing on all five lanes in each direction on the I-10, ahead of tomorrow morning’s commute and before the Thanksgiving holiday!" said Governor Gavin Newsom in a post on X just before midnight.

Apex Development Inc. has leased the land under I-10 since 2008. Although one condition of the contract stipulated that it not allow the storage of flammable or hazardous materials there, state inspectors have visited the site six times since early 2020 and flagged problematic conditions for years.

Owners of two of the companies that subleased the property said they also had warned of a fire danger and other hazards related to homeless people living under the freeway. Newsom previously said that while subleasing can be legal if the company received permission from state and federal regulators, Apex did not.

In September, state officials filed a lawsuit against Apex saying it owes $78,000 in unpaid rent. A hearing is scheduled next year.

FAQs:

Q1. Has I-10 freeway opened?
A1. Yes, the Los Angeles I-10 freeway has been opened.

Q2. Why is I-10 freeway critical?
A2. I-10 freeway is critical because it has been a vital route with over 300,000 daily drivers.