Los Angeles commuters are facing a major traffic disruption as a result of a weekend fire that caused extensive damage to the Santa Monica Freeway. The downtown stretch of the heavily transited freeway will remain closed until further notice, causing significant inconveniences for the approximately 300,000 vehicles that use it daily. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County in order to expedite repairs and ensure the freeway is reopened as quickly as possible.

The closure affects a section of the Santa Monica Freeway, also known as Interstate 10 or "the 10," between Interstates 5 and 110. These are two other major freeways that are vital to Los Angeles' car culture. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that the closure is expected to last several days, further exacerbating the traffic situation in the area.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight on Saturday, causing smoke to billow into the night sky. It took 164 firefighters from 26 fire companies several hours to extinguish the blaze. The fire spread through at least two storage yards beneath the freeway, consuming stacks of wood pallets and containers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Governor Newsom's proclamation of a state of emergency aims to expedite the repair work and clean-up. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is responsible for assessing the damage to the support columns and the deck of the freeway to develop a repair plan. If necessary, Caltrans will seek aid from the federal government.

The closure of the Santa Monica Freeway has significant implications for Los Angeles' transportation system. Approximately 260,000 vehicles use this section of Interstate 10 daily for commuting between Los Angeles and Orange County. Moreover, the freeway is a crucial conduit for Southern California ports, handling around 20,000 trucks every day.

Officials have advised drivers to seek alternative routes and prepare for delays, especially those planning to attend major sporting events in or around downtown Los Angeles. The closure has prompted Governor Newsom to declare a state of emergency, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been in contact with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to discuss expedited repairs.

The intense flames from the fire caused significant damage to the freeway. Columns supporting the highway were battered, guardrails melted, and pieces of concrete fell from the overpass. Some vehicles, including a fire engine, were also damaged. Mayor Bass likened the level of structural damage to that of the 1994 earthquake, during which Caltrans worked tirelessly to repair the city's freeways.

The closure of the Santa Monica Freeway has already had noticeable effects on nearby streets. Traffic congestion has increased, and frustrated motorists honked their horns as traffic backed up. Local businesses, such as a Shell gas station located in the closed section, have already experienced a significant decrease in business. The manager of the gas station estimated that the exit could remain closed for weeks, causing further financial strain.

The closure of the Santa Monica Freeway is a significant disruption for Los Angeles commuters and the transportation system as a whole. The state and federal government are working to expedite repairs and minimize the impact on daily commutes and the flow of goods through Southern California ports. However, the closure is likely to last for an indefinite period as structural engineers assess the damage and develop a repair plan.