The viaduct, built in 1932, was closed in 2016 to upgrade the seismically deficient structure. The $588 million in improvements was billed as the largest bridge project in the city’s history and reopened on July 10 to much fanfare.
But since its reopening, the bridge has been plagued by street racing and other illegal activity, according to police.
On July 22, the bridge was closed due to public safety risks, the LAPD said in a news release listing the shenanigans on the bridge. At noon on July 23, “approximately 15 moped racers/street bikers were performing wheelies on the bridge, as a display of speed,” according to police. Anticipating a takeover of the street, the police responded and did not have to close the bridge.
That night, police closed the bridge “due to unruly crowds and carjackings,” the LAPD said. On July 24, the bridge was closed to vehicles after a large group of trucks showed up, blocked traffic and “appeared to be preparing for a street takeover,” police said.
Days later, a bicyclist shone a laser pointer in an officer’s eyes. The suspect fled the scene while a group of bikers “continued to block traffic and perform stunts,” prompting another shutdown, police said.
The officer was treated and later released.
The bridge was closed again Wednesday “due to illegal activity and public safety concerns,” the LAPD said in a tweet.
The department’s street racing task force and local divisions are working to curb illegal activity on the bridge.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore addressed the police commission during its weekly meeting on Tuesday and called the bridge a destination, comparing its appeal to other venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Disney Concert Hall and Venice Beach. The structure, nicknamed the “Ribbon of Light”, features 10 LED-illuminated arches.
However, the bridge has become a backdrop where people gather for exhibitions, “outrageous driving stunts” as they try to “maybe find their 15 minutes of fame,” Moore said, noting the bump of whip to open and close the bridge.
In a viral social media stunt, a barber set up a chair and cut his hair on the bridge, located between oncoming traffic in both directions, according to CNN affiliate KABC-TV.
Last Sunday, the Office of Street Services began installing speed bumps on the bridge and fences to “discourage people from climbing the arches on this road,” Moore said.
Scenes from the movies “Grease” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and a number of other racing scenes were shot under the Los Angeles River Bridge.