Watch out for "Jamzilla" this weekend on the 405 freeway

Listen to the full audio story

Download the MP3

For those of you with getaway plans this holiday weekend, you might want to reconsider-- or at least stay away from the 405, because "Jamzilla" is taking over, and as the name suggest, you can expect nothing but traffic jams throughout West Los Angeles roadways. 

The Los Angeles County Metro Authority (Metro) and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) gathered today to announce this weekend’s eighty-hour closure of the 405 northbound between Getty Center Drive and Ventura Boulevard. The freeway will be closed for paving operations for the February 14 to 18 holiday weekend. 

Only two northbound lanes will remain open during the day while all five northbound freeway lanes will be completely closed at night.

Dave Sotero, Spokesman for LA's County Metro, warned commuters to stay away from the north bound area all together. 

"We are asking for the public's coooperation to stay off the roads and avoid the area," he said. "Plan a nice weekend at home and bypass the West Los Angeles area if you can." 

Sergeant Kimmy Porter, from LA's Department of Transportation, said planning travel routes is key. 

"If you're going to West Los Angeles, check the map, find out what locations are open and give yourself ample time to get there," she said. "Leave early enough so you can be on time." 

The California Department of Transportation's website will provide traffic updates and road conditions during the closure. 

An alternative route for motorists will be the I-405 northbound to Sepulveda Boulevard.