ReasonTV: Carmageddon or Lameageddon? Billion Dollar Project Isn't Apocalyptic After All

Did you hear about Carmageddon? It turns out the apocalyptic shutdown of the nation's busiest freeway, the 405, wasn't apocalyptic at all.

Media hyped the billion dollar construction project for weeks, claiming it could "back up traffic as much as 64 miles," and politicians blunted told constituents, "Stay the hell away from the 405." But none of the predictions about a Carmageddon came true.

Instead we found politicians ready to sing the praises of the newly added carpool lane and tear down of the Mulholland Bridge. We also found Angelinos skeptical that the project would actually alleviate traffic.

Written and Produced by Paul Detrick.

About 3:30 minutes.

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Comments

[Greer]

Did you hear about Carmageddon?

Yes, I think I did. Didn't Cavenaugh do a small post about it over the weekend?

[gaijin]

But none of the predictions about a Carmageddon came true.

TARP, Stimulus, Debt Ceiling...Wonder how many of the pols predictions about armageddon would come just as true carmageddon?

[Fiscal Meth]

That little shitstick Villarigosa said it himself. It was a "good exercise". This whole thing has very little to do with infrastructure and a whole lot to do with social engineering. There is a creepy attitude around here where people seem to be pleased that the bureaucrats and the news media are working together to issue orders and people are proud to announce that they did just as they were told and everything turned out okay.

[KD]

Yep.

Meanwhile, my defiant self had the best drive on the 101 toward the 405 I've ever experienced. I feel both pleased I got the road to myself and sad that the scare tactics worked on so many.

[Enough already]

Jesus H. Christ, stop beating this dead horse. What's with your Carmageddon obsession? Why not go back to obsessing over schoolkids' "right" to get fat on junk food?

[Fiscal Meth]

You totalitarians and your scare quotes.

[???]

Carmageddon's big.

[Colonel_Angus]

Watch for brake lights on the 405- mattress in lane- I WILL DROP TROU!!!!!!!!

[heller]

#36 There Goes My Gun

[R C Dean]

Navel-gazing? In California? Surely you jest.

[Pete Guither]

I was in L.A. last week, and I heard people talking about Carmageddon, and even stayed at a hotel right next to the 405.

But I didn't realize how big a deal it was until I came to Reason. I haven't seen this much outrage over the prediction of a non-event since Y2K.

[longqi]

Watch for brake lights on the 405- mattress in lane- I WILL DROP TROU!!!!!!!!

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