Elevated Congestion Increased By Crash On 405-Freeway

BEL AIR—On July 28, a semi-truck blew out a tire along Sepulveda Pass crossing all lanes of traffic before going down the embankment. The carpool lane and two left lanes of traffic were completely blocked causing detours through Beverly Glen on I-405. An eyewitness captured video of a newer model white Mercedes-Benz SUV in a chase on 405. Reports indicate the vehicle was reported as stolen from the Laguna area. The suspects were reportedly armed and dangerous. Initial reports indicate the chase originated in the Metro area. Two suspects inside the vehicle were seen wearing ski masks. On July 26, a crash on Freeway 405 near Sepulveda Boulevard shut down two lanes of traffic. The California Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred at 1:40 a.m. The crash caused sparks that ignited a small brush fire. Ash and smokes billowed over the freeway. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire expediently. Caltrans resumed repaving work from July 24 thru July 27. Key 101/405 connections and ramps were completely closed to thru traffic. Speed limits for the work zone dropped to 55 mph. Motorists were encouraged to use designated detours as roadwork resumes. By Sharon