Carmegeddon has arrived (courtesy of Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

The 405 freeway in Los Angeles will be closed all weekend as contractors demolish a bridge which is necessary in order to expand the freeway constantly known for its stop-and-go traffic especially during rush hours. The freeway is expected to reopen completely Monday morning around 5 AM. If demolition runs smoothly, the opening time could be even earlier.

The closure of one of LA’s most populated freeways (an estimated 500,000 cars travel each day) had had local media planning team coverage and advising residents of alternative routes. So far, it appears to be working. Early Saturday morning, traffic was smooth on all Los Angeles freeways. "Great job Los Angeles," was the statement released by Unified Command at the Emergency Operations Center around 8:30 AM. However, officials warn that as the day continues, more people may be tempted to travel and step on freeways.

People who haven’t even planned a freeway trip are affected by the closure. Many residents around the freeway are dealing with constant news choppers above their homes. Many hotels are restaurants are afraid residents won’t even leave their homes. As a result, great deals are being offered for local residents. One of the most noteworthy deals was earlier this week when JetBlue offered $4 plane rides from Burbank to Long Beach. They sold out in only a few hours.

For Los Angeles residents, Carmegeddon round two will occur next year in the summer as the north half of the Mulholland Bridge will be taken down.

Complete coverage of Carmegeddon can be found at the Los Angeles Times here.

Reach Mike Vulpo here.