WEST LOS ANGELES - On June 22, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is implementing several key response initiatives aimed at maintaining public safety in the West Los Angeles/Sepulveda Pass areas, during the 90-day construction of the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project. These initiatives are an effort to mitigate emergency response issues in the impact area during the construction phase.

As anyone who drives in Southern California is aware, the West Los Angeles and Sepulveda Pass areas have experienced significant traffic congestion in an already busy area. This 90-day project includes demolishing and reconstructing eight heavily traveled freeway ramps at Wilshire Boulevard, that are some of the busiest in the country. In addition to these ramp closures, Phase II of the Mulholland Bridge demolition and freeway closure will begin late this summer.

Therefore, the LAFD has implemented the following key response initiatives to ensure public safety in the impact area during the 90-days of construction.

• To assure optimal response, Fire Department units in eight fire station districts closest to the construction will be permitted, when necessary, to utilize emergency lights and sirens when returning to their coverage area.
• The LAFD will provide special 24-hour Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance coverage along the Mulholland Drive corridor in Encino Hills. 
• Los Angeles Fire Department dispatchers will mobilize units for Fire Station coverage along the southern aspect of the Santa Monica Mountain corridor (Brentwood to Pacific Palisades) when normally assigned resources are committed for an extended period.
• The use of an LAFD Air Ambulance helicopter will be considered when air transport versus ground travel time is in the best interest of the patient.
• During high hazard days, the LAFD will seek to activate an additional Fire Engine in the Pacific Palisades area.

The intent of these strategic changes is to ensure that the public receives optimal fire and emergency medical service coverage in the West Los Angeles/Sepulveda Pass areas during construction. While there is always risk in emergency driving, by utilizing good judgment and permitting resources to return to their first-in districts, response times may be reduced and the need to move up resources to cover a district may be avoided.

Staying away from the impact area greatly assisted in the success of past construction, and is encouraged once again. Here are detour maps to help. Also for your convenience, Metro posts closure updates every workday afternoon on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle websites.

As we work together through this, join us in driving safe and please remember when seeing lights and sirens in behind you, pull-to-the-right.

www.metro.net/projects/i-405

(VIDEO - Wilshire Ramps Reconstruction Explained)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department