LOS ANGELES, CA. – SEPTEMBER 21, 2012: The space shuttle Endeavour as it arrives at the United hangar at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Ca. after it’s cross country trip from Florida on September 21, 2012. The retired space shuttle will be moved to it’s permanent home at the California Science Center in October. (Anne Cusack/ Los Angeles Times)
From the LA Times: Police and transportation officials outlined the street closures planned for space shuttle Endeavour’s upcoming move through South L.A., Westchester and Inglewood, warning of traffic congestion and urging drivers to find alternate routes.
The retired orbiter’s 12-mile trek between LAX and its new home at the California Science Center in Exposition Park begins before dawn Friday. The route includes some major thoroughfares in the area, including Manchester, Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards.
On Wednesday, LAPD released details of the anticipated road closures within Los Angeles city limits. They include:
Closed from 10 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday:
• Northside Parkway from Westchester Parkway to Lincoln Boulevard
• Westchester Parkway from Loyola Boulevard to La Tijera Boulevard
• La Tijera Boulevard from Westchester Parkway to Sepulveda Boulevard
• Sepulveda from Westchester to 87th Street
Closed from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday:
• La Tijera Boulevard from Sepulveda Boulevard to Manchester Avenue
Closed from noon to 5 p.m. Friday:
• Manchester from Sepulveda to Aviation Boulevard
Closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday:
• Crenshaw Boulevard from 79th Street to Vernon Avenue
Closed from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday:
• Crenshaw Boulevard from Vernon Avenue to 39th Street
• Martin Luther King Boulevard from Marlton Avenue to 4th Avenue
Closed from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday:
• Martin Luther King Boulevard from 4th Avenue to Figueroa Street
• Bill Robertson Lane from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Exposition Park
On Thursday, one lane of Lincoln Boulevard will be closed in each direction between Sepulveda and Manchester between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. The same stretch of Lincoln Boulevard will completely close in both directions between about 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday. One lane on each direction of Lincoln will close again Saturday between 4 a.m. and 5 p.m. for more median work.
Officials are considering closing the 405 Freeway on- and off-ramps at Manchester between 10 a.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Saturday.
Public safety officials said sidewalks and streets would be closed a mile ahead of the shuttle as it makes its way through South L.A. and Inglewood, but that some of the sidewalks might be opened, depending on the area. However, large crowds are expected, along with heavy traffic.
“We urge the public to arrive early, be prepared to stand long hours, and remember to bring water, snacks, sunblock, hats and chairs,” the LAPD said in a statement.
