Are Los Angeles’ Freeways 2 and 710 Really Headed for Demolition and Transformation?

The idea of transforming Los Angeles' freeways into parks or other sustainable urban spaces has been a topic of discussion for many years. Specifically, there have been conversations about the potential demolition and repurposing of US-101 (the Downtown Freeway) and SR-2, along with I-710. However, most of these proposals have remained at the discussion stage.

Proposal Background

The concept of placing a “cover” over the “Downtown Slot” section of US-101 and turning it into a park has resurfaced. Additionally, there have been discussions about removing the “stub” of SR-2 west of I-5 and repurposing the land. Another proposal involves replacing the I-710 with a transitway and housing, especially now that the extension of I-710 to Pasadena is no longer a priority. Building parks or housing on the stubs of I-710 has been considered, but is currently off the table.

Current Status of the Proposals

While there have been several exciting ideas and proposals put forth, these ideas have yet to move beyond the discussion stage. According to reliable sources, none of these proposals have gained significant traction or are actively being pursued. Most of these plans remain in the concept phase and have not advanced to the implementation stage.

The Evidence for These Rumors

The claim of demolishing and transforming the freeways into parks has originated from various sources, ranging from speculative media articles to less credible online forums. It is essential to verify the credibility of such claims. For instance, the idea of removing the portion of the Autobahn in Germany, which is much more developed and consolidated with urban infrastructure, is less likely to materialize due to reasons of cost, practicality, and public support.

Why Aren’t These Proposals Taking Off?

There are several reasons why the transformation of Los Angeles' freeways into parks or other urban spaces has not gained momentum. First, such a project would require extensive planning and a significant financial investment. Second, there is often significant resistance from communities that rely on the freeways for transportation. Third, the current political climate may not support such a large-scale project. Finally, there could be alternative plans or strategies that are deemed more feasible by urban planners and policymakers.

Conclusion

While the concept of transforming freeways into parks or other sustainable urban spaces is appealing, the current evidence suggests that these projects are still in the discussion phase. It is important to stay updated with local news and announcements from urban planners to learn about any new developments. For now, the freeways remain an essential part of the transportation infrastructure in Los Angeles.

Further Reading

If you are interested in learning more about urban planning and infrastructure in Los Angeles, consider checking out:

L.A. City Planning Department’s Website Local news coverage on urban development projects Urban planning documentaries and case studies