In November 2023, a major fire erupted in two leased California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spaces directly beneath Interstate 10 near downtown Los Angeles. The fire consumed multiple vehicles, trailers, pallets, and cases of hand cleaner – as well as causing extensive damage to freeway infrastructure. This stretch of I-10, which handles up to 300,000 vehicles daily, had all lanes reopened within just eight days. This speedy $18 million restoration project was made possible by continuous efforts from on- and off-site work crews and engineers, favorable structural testing outcomes, swift debris removal, and seamless coordination among state, local, and federal authorities. Avoiding a long-term closure proved crucial, as it could have disrupted the daily commute for up to 300,000 people and dealt a significant blow to the local economy. The potential loss of work hours and decline in customers would have affected various downtown businesses, including retailers, restaurants, hotels, sports venues, convention centers, and entertainment spots.
America's Transportation Awards 