Upper 2nd Street Open for Business
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
This photo from Thursday shows final work being done on the Upper 2nd Street extension, which is now open.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The extension of Upper 2nd Street from Olive to Grand opened for traffic this week, finishing off a year and a half construction project and smoothing both auto and pedestrian connections to Bunker Hill.
The work connects the two existing spurs of Upper 2nd, forming a westbound link to Hill street to Hope street.
It also creates a more regular pedestrian experience at the corner of 2nd and Grand, where previously crossing had only been allowed on three sides of the intersection.
The street's construction was done in an odd sequence. The sidewalk was first to open, as its ability to act as an escape route was required for the Colburn School's expansion to get its Certificate of Occupancy. Work on the roadway itself followed after that.
In early September, we noted a possible ribbon cutting to be held on October 6th. A recent inquiry to CRA's Public Information office on the event was unsuccessful, but it's believed to be scheduled between 10 and 11am.
Thanks to Don for using the tip form to let us know the street had opened.
LAofAnaheim on October 01, 2008, at 09:22PM – #1
Hopefully there's some street parking, or it's another highway-street in the City.
Brigham on October 02, 2008, at 09:23AM – #2
I'm glad the street finally opened. It's very important for Bunker Hill to be connected in multiple ways given its position on top of a hill.
Looking at that picture, it becomes sorely apparent that the Grand Ave. Project is desperately needed. That ugly parking structure makes the area extremely low-end and sucks the energy out of it. Detracts from all the cultural venues. So sad and pathetic.
ChattyCathy on October 02, 2008, at 04:37PM – #3
I read in the LA Times a couple of days ago that developers want to build a Waldorf-Astoria in Beverly Hills,but the people don't want it (increased traffic, etc) Since, we can't get the Grand Ave project started, how about calling those Waldorf-Astoria folks and let them know we've got a great spot on Grand Ave next to many cultural venues.