Last November, we complained that many roads in and out of L.A. International Airport had been closed now and then so that the latest Die Hard movie could film around there. We — and of course, by "we," I mean only myself — feel those are inconvenienced by such matters are way too forgiving of them. And yes, I know it's good for the economy and local businesses if filmmaking stays in Los Angeles and doesn't migrate elsewhere…but there's also the downside of people having their lives disrupted or even of some businesses being hurt. I don't think the pros and cons always measure out in favor of the movie guys.
Well, here we go again. From this morning's Los Angeles Times…
Travelers heading to Los Angeles International Airport this weekend and next should allow extra time because a section of the 105 Freeway near the airport will be closed for filming.
All eastbound lanes between Sepulveda and La Cienega boulevards will be closed from 3 a.m. to midnight the two Saturdays and Sundays to allow shooting of the action film "John Hancock," according to LAX officials. In addition, the westbound portion of the freeway between Sepulveda and the 405 Freeway will be closed intermittently between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. both days of the weekends.
The airport will close the exit ramps from the passenger terminal areas leading to southbound Sepulveda. Departing traffic will be directed to eastbound Century Boulevard.
I assume that LAX gets some sort of use fee that makes it worth the hassle — for them, not for travellers — to allow this. But LAX doesn't own the 105 Freeway. Your tax dollars and mine paid for it and not so it could be closed to us because someone wanted to shoot a movie there.
And I'm going to assume that's a typo about closing the freeway from 3 a.m. until midnight, right? Because that's kinda like most of the day.