Street takeovers and wheelie contests force closures on iconic Los Angeles bridge, LAPD says

That night, police closed the bridge “due to unruly crowds and vehicle takeovers,” the LAPD said. On July 24, the bridge was closed to vehicles after a large group of trucks showed up, impeded traffic and “appeared to be setting up for a street takeover,” police said.

Days later, a bicyclist shined a laser pointer in an officer’s eyes. The suspect fled the scene while a group of bicyclists “continued to block traffic and perform stunts,” prompting another closure, police said.

The officer was medically treated and later released.

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 site, comparing its allure with other spots like the Hollywood Bowl, Disney Concert Hall and Venice Beach. The structure, nicknamed the “Ribbon of Light,” features 10 LED-lit arches.

However, the bridge has become a backdrop where people gather for exhibitions, “outrageous driving antics” while trying to “perhaps find their 15 minutes of fame,” Moore said, noting the whiplash of opening and closing the bridge.

Last Sunday, the Bureau of Street Services began installing speed bumps on the bridge and fencing to “discourage individuals from scaling onto the arches of this roadway,” Moore said.

Scenes from the movies “Grease” and “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” and a host of others shot race scenes under the bridge in the Los Angeles River.