The 405 Freeway in Los Angeles was fully shut down in both directions Thursday afternoon as authorities responded to a suspicious package on the interstate. The closure, which began shortly after 1 p.m., affected the northbound lanes at Wilshire Boulevard and the southbound lanes at Sunset Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The incident prompted a significant police response, leading to major traffic backups that persisted even after the freeway reopened.
The suspicious package was discovered on the freeway, though authorities did not immediately confirm the nature of the item. The box that prompted the response was later cleared, and both sides of the freeway had reopened by Thursday afternoon.
However, residual traffic impacts continued to cause delays, with southbound traffic backed up from Getty Center Drive to the 101 Freeway interchange. Metro also warned riders using its World Cup service to Downtown Santa Monica or Pierce College to expect delays due to the lingering effects of the closure.
The incident underscores the ongoing vigilance required in public safety, particularly during major events. The Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol coordinated the response, ensuring the safe removal of the package and the reopening of the freeway.
Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time.