Wilshire Blvd closed in Koreatown for 10 days due to Metro construction

KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Starting Friday night and for the next 10 days, Wilshire Boulevard will be closed between Western Avenue and Manhattan Place.

The area of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue is already a notorious spot for backed up traffic, and construction on the Metro Purple Line extension is adding to the congestion, but it's all about to come to a grinding halt with the new closure.

"I think it's bad for everybody. This is a major transit zone for everyone, and I think it's going to make it a bigger headache than it already is," said Ontario resident Eynar Murillo.

The one-block closure takes effect at 9 p.m. Friday and runs through Monday, Feb. 26 at 6 a.m.

There have been numerous weekend closures at the popular Koreatown intersection, but this 10-day closure will allow crews to work around the clock to get as much work done as possible.

The closure will allow crews to put in decking, a major part of the above-ground work that will allow work to ramp up underground.

"Decking is basically putting a concrete surface on Wilshire Boulevard that allows cars and busses to travel over Wilshire Boulevard while we're working underneath, building the subway project," explained Metro spokesperson Dave Sotero.

The Purple Line extension will ultimately stretch to Westwood.

The first section from Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue to Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards is set to open in late 2023. Until then, drivers are being warned, especially over the next 10 days.