Road to view of Hollywood sign reopens to public

GRIFFITH PARK (KABC) -- A great shot of the famous Hollywood sign has turned Mt. Hollywood Drive into selfie central while a one-mile stretch of the road has temporarily reopened to traffic.

"It's a fantastic view. I didn't think we could get this close. It's pretty nice, spectacular," Canadian tourist Gabe Pizzuti said.

The change is all part of a three-week trial by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to ease congestion as thousands of visitors head to Griffith Park and the surrounding hillside roads to get a shot of the famous landmark.

"We Googled it and did it on our GPS and it's incredible," said Mirella Pizzuti, who traveled from Canada for her daughter's 16th birthday.

While visitors love the access, many hikers and bikers aren't so happy.

"It's kind of a bummer. It's such a beautiful place to ride. I want to be safe, and if the cars are here, then the pedestrians and bikes, everybody, it's just a lot of confusion," Mt. Washington resident Rachel Wagner said.

Area residents, especially in Beachwood Canyon, say they've already noticed a difference.

"There used to be a lot of traffic to go up to hiking trails. I went for the first time today in a while and it was just smooth," Franklin Village resident Allison Colette said.

Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge says he would prefer the road remained closed to cars, but notes he is open to other options.

"I would welcome tour vans recognized by the recreation and parks department to shuttle people in from Metro stop, so they could get to the park and enjoy any part of Griffith Park and not have the impact that all the cars have," LaBonge said.

Mt. Hollywood Drive will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day until April 12. The recreation and parks department will determine the fate of the road after that.