A lax inspection schedule contributed to the hazardous conditions that led to the massive blaze that shut down Interstate 10 in Los Angeles last year.
Lax enforcement of inspections of storage lots located under freeways contributed to the fire that damaged part of Interstate 10 near downtown Los Angeles last year, a state audit found.
According to an Associated Press article, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) only conducted five inspections of lots under Interstate 10 in 15 years.
The audit reveals that Caltrans failed to document those inspections and could have done more to make the properties safer. The lot where the fire occurred was being used for storing flammable materials including solvents and oils and being illegally subleased.
The report points out “previous warning signs” that should have raised red flags for Caltrans, including a 2022 fire not far from last year’s blaze site. The audit recommends regular inspections, better training for staff, and a streamlined process for determining and taking legal action.
FULL STORY: Lax oversight by California agency put LA freeway at risk before 2023 blaze, audit finds
Fire Officials Say More LA Freeway Underpasses at Fire Risk
The city’s fire department is surveying other underpasses for hazardous materials and other code violations that led to the November 11 fire that shut down a key interstate segment.
After Underpass Fire, California to Review Land Lease Program
The state leases space under freeways to boost revenue, but their contracts are loosely enforced.
With a 710 Freeway Extension Unlikely, Cities Propose Alternatives
After withdrawing support for a controversial extension of the 710 Freeway, Los Angeles Metro is asking cities for local road improvements to improve traffic flow in its stead.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research