It’s here: the weekend Angelenos have been dreading for months — CARMAGEDDON.
For two days the 405 freeway will be closed across a roughly 10-mile stretch between the I-10 and the 101 while crews repair a damaged bridge. The lead-up to the closure has felt a bit like Y2K, with many people planning to stay home or leave the city to avoid the inevitable traffic backups.
We live where the 10 and 405 meet and have long treated the steady hum of the freeway like a background brook — interrupted occasionally by sirens and horns. This closure is a rare opportunity to enjoy quiet, sunny Southern California weather and catch up on outdoor projects.
If you’re planning to hunker down at home rather than brave the roads, here are some of our favorite easy home- and yard-improvement projects you can tackle over the weekend:
- Install a hammock — The ultimate spot for relaxing, reading, or napping outdoors. A hammock is simple to hang between two trees or on a freestanding frame and instantly upgrades any patio or backyard.
- Create a year-round outdoor space — In California’s mild climate, there’s no reason not to make your outdoor area usable year-round. Add cozy seating, layered lighting, and weatherproof textiles to extend your living space outside.
- Build a picnic table — Dining outside is a pleasure many of us have forgotten. A sturdy picnic table is a weekend build and provides a casual, durable spot for meals, games, and gatherings.
- Make a flower window box — Window boxes brighten facades and are an easy way to add color and fragrance to your home. They’re ideal for herbs, annuals, or compact perennials and thrive in sunny California conditions.
- Build an outdoor shower — For a touch of luxury and a connection to nature, consider installing a simple outdoor shower. It’s a satisfying DIY project that pays off in daily delight during warm months.
Whether you use the weekend to tackle one project or simply relax in a new hammock, this unexpected freeway closure can be turned into a welcome respite — a chance to slow down, enjoy fresh air, and get a little more done around the house.