| U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway / El Camino Real) south |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south: Exit 17, Van Nuys Boulevard; Exit 16, Woodman Avenue; and Exit 15, Coldwater Canyon Road. U.S. 101 from Interstate 405 to California 134/170 was built and opened to traffic in 1958 and 1959. Even older stretches of freeway lay ahead, on the Hollywood Freeway section of U.S. 101. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The right lane of U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south exits to Van Nuys Boulevard (Exit 17). Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Use Van Nuys Boulevard north to Van Nuys and north/south to Sherman Oaks. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) reaches Exit 17, Van Nuys Boulevard. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south: Exit 16, Woodman Avenue; Exit 15, Coldwater Canyon Road; and Exit 14, Laurel Canyon Road. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south is Exit 16, Woodman Avenue. Five lanes carry U.S. 101 east toward Studio City and North Hollywood (both communities of L.A.). Photo taken 07/03/05. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) reaches Exit 16, Woodman Avenue. A new exit number sign is found at the off-ramp from U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south to Exit 16, Woodman Avenue. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Use Exit 15 (Coldwater Canyon Road north) to Los Angeles Valley College. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south: Exit 15, Coldwater Canyon Road; Exit 14, Laurel Canyon Road; Exit 13B, California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east; and Exit 13A, Tujunga Avenue north to California 170 (Hollywood Freeway) north. At Exits 13B-A, U.S. 101 will turn onto the Hollywood Freeway south. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south is Exit 15, Coldwater Canyon Road. Use Coldwater Canyon Road south to Mulholland Drive and eventually the city of Beverly Hills. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) reaches Exit 15, Coldwater Canyon Road. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south: Exit 14, Laurel Canyon Road; Exit 13B, California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east; and Exit 13A, Tujunga Avenue north to California 170 (Hollywood Freeway) north. At Exits 13B-A, U.S. 101 will turn onto the Hollywood Freeway south. Photo taken 07/03/05. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) south is Exit 14, Laurel Canyon Road north to Valley Village and south to Studio City (both communities of the city of Los Angeles). Photos taken 09/27/07 and 07/03/05. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway) reaches Exit 14, Laurel Canyon Road. This overhead sign provides the lane allocation for California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east (left two lanes) and U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south (right three lanes). There is no direct access to California 170 (Hollywood Freeway) north; use Exit 13A, Tujunga Avenue north for that connection. To the Red Line subway south to Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles (free parking at the Metro Station), use Tujunga Avenue north to Chandler Boulevard east. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Use California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east to the cities of Burbank and Glendale as well as the northern entrance to Griffith Park and the Los Angeles Zoo. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The exit to Tujunga Avenue also serves the communities of North Hollywood and Studio City. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 13B, California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east; Exit 13A, Tujunga Avenue north to California 170 (Hollywood Freeway) north; and Exit 12B, Vineland Avenue. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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California 170 is the Hollywood Freeway from U.S. 101 north to Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway). A separate section of unsigned California 170 is located along Highland Avenue from U.S. 101 Exit 9C south to California 2 (Santa Monica Boulevard). Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The left two lanes of California 134 prepares to depart from U.S. 101 south. After this interchange, U.S. 101 will turn southeast along the Hollywood Freeway for the final distance to Hollywood, downtown L.A., and finally East L.A. (The last section of U.S. 101 from the Four Level Interchange south to Interstate 5 is actually part of the Santa Ana Freeway, since the Four Level Interchange is the southern terminus of the Hollywood Freeway.) Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 and eastbound California 134 split. Follow California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east to Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and all points east via Interstate 210 (Foothill Freeway). Use U.S. 101 south to downtown Los Angeles and all points south via Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway), Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway), and Interstate 710 (Long Beach Freeway). Photos taken 09/27/07 and 07/03/05. |
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Three lanes carry U.S. 101 south on the transition from the Ventura Freeway to the Hollywood Freeway. Along this transition is the ramp to Exit 13A, Tujunga Avenue to North Hollywood and Studio City. Through traffic for U.S. 101 south remain in the left lanes. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 07/03/05. |
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View of California 134 (Ventura Freeway) east signage as seen from the U.S. 101 transition ramp. Note that this is designated as the Bruce T. Hinman Memorial Interchange. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
| U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) (El Camino Real) south |
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As traffic from California 170 (Hollywood Freeway) south merges with traffic from U.S. 101 south, this mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 12B, Vineland Avenue; Exit 12A, Lankershim Boulevard to Universal City; and Exit 11, Cahuenga Boulevard to Barham Boulevard and Cahuenga Pass. Photo taken 07/03/05. |
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As the right lane of U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south becomes exit only for Exit 12B, Vineland Avenue, the carpool lane from California 170 south comes to an end. The U.S. 101 portion of the Hollywood Freeway was built in stages between 1940 and 1959 from the Four Level Interchange (which was built in 1949 and fully opened by 1953). By 1959, the freeway extended to this point via Hollywood and Cahuenga Pass. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Approaching Exit 12B, Vineland Avenue, the left five lanes continue south on U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) toward Cahuenga Pass, Hollywood, and Downtown. The tall buildings in the distance ahead are part of the NBC-Universal Studios complex located in Universal City. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 12B, Vineland Avenue. The next exit along southbound is Exit 12A, Lankershim Boulevard to Universal City. Photo taken 07/03/05. |
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The Universal City skyline and hills of Cahuenga Pass (el. 745 feet) come into view as U.S. 101 continues southeast along the Hollywood Freeway. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 09/27/07. |
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U.S. 101 passes over the Los Angeles River, which carries water from the mountains south through downtown Los Angeles and then to the ocean at Long Beach. Here it travels east-west, but it will turn south at a point near the California 134/Interstate 5 interchange toward downtown. Much of the river along the Interstate 5 and Interstate 710 corridors has been lined with concrete and channelized. However, efforts are underway to restore portions of the Los Angeles River back to its original condition. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Lankershim Boulevard is a major north-south arterial through the San Fernando Valley that comes to an end near this interchange at Cahuenga Boulevard (Old U.S 101). Upon crossing Cahuenga Pass, U.S. 101 will leave the San Fernando Valley and enter Hollywood. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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The next exit from U.S. 101 south connects to Exit 12A, Lankershim Boulevard to Universal City. In the 2004 photo, a sign replacement resulted in an arrow sign being installed rather than a "next exit" sign. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 reaches Exit 12A, Lankershim Boulevard. An old porcelain enamel guide sign marks the off-ramp to Exit 12A, Lankershim Boulevard. This section of Hollywood Freeway is historic and is among the first freeways to be built in greater Los Angeles. Originally planned as Cahuenga Parkway, the Hollywood Freeway originally had the Pacific Electric Railway service in the center of the road. Once that service ended and the demand for more travel lanes increased, the middle section of the freeway over Cahuenga Pass was made into additional auto lanes. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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The next three exits along U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south are Exit 11, Barham Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard; Exit 9C, California 170 (Highland Avenue) south; and Exit 9B, Cahuenga Boulevard. The first exit serves Cahuenga Pass; the latter two exits serve Hollywood. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Use Exit 11, Barham Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard to Universal City and the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre of Los Angeles County. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Use Barham Boulevard northeast to the city of Burbank and Warner Brothers Studio (in case you missed the California 134 east exit). This exit also connects to Cahuenga Boulevard, which is a frontage road and follows Old U.S. 101. Ventura Boulevard, which was U.S. 101 Business, connects directly into Cahuenga Boulevard near Universal City. New development has certainly changed things here between 2004 and 2008. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 11, Barham Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard. Around this point, U.S. 101 ascends to the highest point of Cahuenga Pass, then will begin its descent into the L.A. Basin. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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The Barham Boulevard overpass (built 1940) has older bridge railing and styling than seen on most Los Angeles freeways, since it was built as part of the old Cahuenga Parkway. It is surprising how many original freeway structures remain along this section of U.S. 101. The freeway dips below the Barham Boulevard overpass instead of the bridge gaining elevation to cross over U.S. 101. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Passing under Barham Boulevard, the next exit along U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) is Exit 9C, California 170 (Highland Avenue) south to Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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These pictures of the Barham Boulevard overpass are taken from the side of the freeway looking down. Photos taken 02/26/11. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 9C, Highland Avenue (unsigned California 170) south; Exit 9B, Cahuenga Boulevard; and Exit 9A, Vine Street. A "Watch for Stopped Vehicles" caution sign is posted below the mileage sign, since traffic problems can occur at any time along this busy freeway. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The left three lanes continue south U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway), while the right two lanes connect to Exit 9C, Highland Avenue (unsigned California 170) south to Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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The next seven exits all serve Hollywood. This sign was replaced been 2004 and 2009. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 9C, Highland Avenue (unsigned California 170) south to Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl. Hollywood is part of the city of Los Angeles, but it is readily identifiable for anyone wanting to make it in show business or to meet a celebrity. Walk down Hollywood Boulevard and a celebrity sighting is possible at any time. Hollywood has distinct boundaries, unlike most other districts in Los Angeles. Assembly Bill 588 defines the boundaries of Hollywood as follows: "the area east of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, south of Mulholland Drive, Laurel Canyon, Cahuenga Blvd. and Barham Blvd. and the cities of Burbank and Glendale, north of Melrose Avenue and west of the Golden State Freeway and Hyperion Avenue. Note that this includes all of Griffith Park and Los Feliz-two areas that were hitherto generally considered separate from Hollywood by most Angelenos."1 Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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An erroneous Interstate 101 California shield is posted on this white construction sign for highway improvements after the Highland Avenue off-ramp. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 9B, Cahuenga Boulevard; Exit 9A, Vine Street; and Exit 8C, Gower Street. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south is Exit 9B, Cahuenga Boulevard. Cahuenga Boulevard travels south from this interchange into Hollywood, splitting into Cole Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard at De Longpre Avneue. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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A 40-year anniversary sign (1954 to 1994) was posted for the Hollywood Freeway and was still around during 2004, the 50th year of the Hollywood Freeway. The stars on the sign might represent the famous Hollywood stars or perhaps the distant stars observed from Griffith Observatory. The rainbow is a nice touch. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 9B, Cahuenga Boulevard. The next exit along U.S. 101 south is Exit 9A, Vine Street. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 9A, Vine Street; Exit 8C, Gower Street; and Exit 8B, Hollywood Boulevard. The skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles come into view for the first time along U.S. 101 south. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 9A, Vine Street. The top of the landmark Capitol Records building comes into view at this interchange. Follow Vine Street south to the world-famous Hollywood and Vine intersection. The Walk of Fame follows Hollywood Boulevard, including sidewalk-embedded stars from Vine Street west to La Brea Avenue. Exit 8B will also connect to Hollywood Boulevard, but the interchange is a bit further east of Hollywood as U.S. 101 continues southeast. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 8C, Gower Street; Exit 8B, Hollywood Boulevard; and Exit 8A, Sunset Boulevard. The skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles come into view for the first time along U.S. 101 south. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 8C, Gower Street. The next off-ramp from U.S. 101 is Exit 8B, Hollywood Boulevard. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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Another mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south: Exit 8B, Hollywood Boulevard; Exit 8A, Sunset Boulevard; and Exit 7, Western Avenue. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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U.S. 101 turns a bit to the south at this point. The southbound direction has four through lanes and one auxiliary lane (exit only for Exit 8B, Hollywood Boulevard). Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 8B, Hollywood Boulevard. The next exit along southbound U.S. 101 is Exit 8A, Sunset Boulevard. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Immediately thereafter, southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 8A, Sunset Boulevard. The next off-ramp is for Exit 7, Western Avenue. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south: Exit 7, Western Avenue north to Thai Town and Los Feliz and south to California 2 (Santa Monica Boulevard) (Old U.S. 66); Exit 6B, Ardmore Avenue south to Melrose Avenue (east/west) and Normandie Avenue (north/south); and Exit 6A, Vermont Avenue (north/south) and Beverly Boulevard (east/west). City streets in this part of Los Angeles are mostly laid out in a grid pattern, and U.S. 101 travels diagonally through the grid pattern. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 07/03/05. |
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U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) passes under Sunset Boulevard. A painting of a young man adds some dimension to an otherwise ordinary highway bridge. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 7, Western Avenue north to Thai Town and Los Feliz and south to California 2 (Santa Monica Boulevard) (Old U.S. 66). Western Avenue is a major north-south arterial that originates at Los Feliz Boulevard near the Fern Dell Drive entrance to Griffith Park. Western Avenue then travels due south all the way to the Pacific Ocean at Paseo del Mar. The section of Western Avenue from Interstate 405 south to the ocean is part of California 213. Use Western Avenue south to California 2 (Santa Monica Boulevard) (Old U.S. 66) west. To California 2 east to Echo Park, follow U.S. 101 south. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) south is Exit 6B, Ardmore Avenue south to Melrose Avenue (east/west) and Normandie Avenue (north/south). Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Another advance sign for Exit 6B to Melrose Avenue (east/west) and Normandie Avenue (north/south) is posted shortly thereafter, followed by an interchange sequence sign in the median. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
| U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) (El Camino Real) south and California 2 east |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 east reach Exit 6B, Ardmore Avenue south to Melrose Avenue east to Silver Lake and west to Beverly Hills. Normandie Avenue travels north to Los Feliz and south to Wilshire Center and Koreatown (communities of the city of Los Angeles). Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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A shared reassurance shield assembly for U.S. 101 south and California 2 east is posted after the Melrose Avenue off-ramp (Exit 6B). Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The next three exits along southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 east are Exit 6A, Vermont Avenue; Exit 5B, Silver Lake Boulevard; and Exit 5A, Benton Way and Rampart Boulevard. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Vermont Avenue is another major north-south arterial through the Los Angeles Basin. To the south, Vermont Avenue leads to Westlake and North University Park. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Use Vermont Avenue north to Los Angeles City College, Barnsdale Park, and Vermont Canyon Road into Griffith Park. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Prior to the Vermont Avenue interchange (Exit 6A), U.S. 101 widens out with a large median featuring a rental storage facility. This is the location of the once-proposed but never constructed Beverly Hills Freeway, which was planned to generally follow the California 2 corridor from here west to Santa Monica. This freeway would potentially connect with the orphaned section of California 2 freeway in Silver Lake/Echo Park. However, the freeway connections are very unlikely to ever be built. The land in between the two directions of U.S. 101 generally remains in the ownership of the state of California, and it has been leased to private enterprise (including a storage facility). Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Northbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and eastbound California 2 meet Exit 6A, Vermont Avenue. The second exit will be Exit 5B, Silver Lake Boulevard. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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The next three exits along southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 east are Exit 5B, Silver Lake Boulevard; Exit 5A, Benton Way and Rampart Boulevard; and Exit 4B, California 2 (Alvarado Street) north to Echo Park. Photos taken 07/03/05 and 08/24/04. |
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U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 continues to have a large median for the proposed and now-cancelled freeway interchange. Trees and grasses are planted in the median. Photos taken 02/26/11. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 east reach Exit 5B, Silver Lake Boulevard. The next off-ramp along southbound is Exit 5A, Benton Way and Rampart Boulevard. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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The next three exits along southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) are Exit 5A, Benton Way and Rampart Boulevard; Exit 4B, California 2 (Alvarado Street) north to Echo Park; and Exit 4A, Glendale Boulevard (via Union Avenue and Temple Street). Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and eastbound California 2 reach Exit 5A, Benton Way and Rampart Boulevard. The next off-ramp is Exit 4B, California 2 (Alvarado Street) north to Echo Park. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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A final reassurance shield assembly for U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 is posted after Exit 5A and prior to their split at Exit 4B. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and California 2 split at Exit 4B. From here, California 2 follows Alvarado Street northeast through Echo Park until joining the Glendale Freeway. The freeway then travels to Glendale, connecting California 2 to the scenic Angeles Crest Highway north of Interstate 210. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
| U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) (El Camino Real) south |
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The next two exits along southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) are Exit 4A, Union Avenue to Glendale Boulevard and Exit 3B, California 110/Harbor Freeway south and California 110 (Pasadena Freeway) north at the Four Level Interchange. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 03/15/09. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Hollywood Freeway) reaches Exit 4A, Union Avenue to Temple Street, which in turn connects to Glendale Boulevard. This is one old sign! Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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A second sign for Exit 4A, Union Avenue to Glendale Boulevard is posted on the off-ramp. The placement of the sign was improved by 2010, but the original placement made it difficult for motorists to identify the proper exiting point. Hopefully anyone looking for Glendale Boulevard knew to depart the freeway at Union Avenue. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 08/24/04. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the Four Level Interchange, which includes Exit 3B, California 110/Harbor Freeway south and California 110 (Pasadena Freeway) north. Recent sign upgrades now show California 110 south as Interstate 110 south, perhaps because the Interstate designation begins after the Harbor Freeway passes Interstate 10 (Santa Monica Freeway). However, the official route of Interstate 110 has the Interstate Highway ending at Interstate 10, so this sign would be more appropriately showing "California 110 south to Interstate 110 south." Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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The Four Level Interchange is a major interchange and the beginning of significant decision points for drivers. Exit 3B connects U.S. 101 to California 110/Harbor Freeway to Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway) south to Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles as well as California 110 (Pasadena Freeway) north. Exit 1E links U.S. 101 south with Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) east to San Bernardino, Indio, and Phoenix. Exit 1A connects the southern end of U.S. 101 with California 60 (Pomona Freeway) east to Pomona and Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) south to Santa Ana, San Diego, and Tijuana, Mexico. All of these interchanges occur within the context of downtown Los Angeles and East Los Angeles, which creates lots of merging and weaving in a limited space. Take care to identify your choice of freeways so as to avoid last minute decision making along this stretch. Photos taken 02/26/11, 03/15/09, 09/27/07, and 08/24/04. |
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The green overlay California 110 shield on this overhead sign hides the former designation of California 11. When Interstate 110 was created in the mid-1980s south of Interstate 10, old California 11 north of Interstate 10 was phased out in favor of California 110. The right two lanes will connect to the Four Level Interchange, which is a massive symmetrical stack interchange that is the first of its kind, having been built in 1949 and fully opened for motorist use in 1953. Despite having high speed connections, the Four Level Interchange often suffers from traffic slowing on any adjacent freeway. Overwhelmed by traffic volumes, motorists can generally take their time passing through the historical structure. This interchange serves as the end of the Hollywood Freeway; U.S. 101 will leap onto the Santa Ana Freeway upon passing through the midpoint of the interchange. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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A newer set of signs is posted next for Exit 3B, the Four Level Interchange. Note that there is a truck restriction on California 110 (Pasadena Freeway) north. This is due to the older design and heavy traffic found on the Pasadena Freeway, which is the original Arroyo Seco Parkway. As for California/Interstate 110 south, it is the best route to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The cruise ship terminal at San Pedro is also located at the end of this important north-south freeway. Closer to here, California/Interstate 110 south passes by downtown Los Angeles, offering stunning views of the skyscrapers on both sides of the freeway. The new pull through sign for the left three lanes is helpful for motorists, as it shows U.S. 101 south signed to Interstate 10 east, California 60 east, and Interstate 5 south (Exits 1E-1A). Prior to the installation of these new signs, the pull-through sign omitted U.S. 101 and California 60 and only signed Interstate 10 and Interstate 5. Note that there is no access from U.S. 101 south to Interstate 10 west except via California 110 south, so use Exit 3B to Interstate 10 west to Santa Monica. To Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway) north, use California 110 (Pasadena Freeway) (Arroyo Seco Parkway) north. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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The Four Level Interchange is memorialized in honor of Bill Keene (former KNX and KNXT traffic and weather reporter), as shown by this sign. Prior to the Interstates, the Four-Level Interchange enjoyed a role as the centerpoint for U.S. Highways emanating out of downtown Los Angeles. While U.S. 101 has always followed its existing course from the Hollywood Freeway onto the Santa Ana Freeway, U.S. 6 and U.S. 66 used to enter the Four Level Interchange from the northeast via Arroyo Seco Parkway. U.S. 99 also briefly used this interchange to connect from the Arroyo Seco Parkway onto the southbound Santa Ana Freeway and then the eastbound San Bernardino (Ramona) Freeway. U.S. 60 and 70, which most agree ended at the East Los Angeles Interchange where Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) currently ends, have been shown extending as far west as the Four Level Interchange. With the elimination of all these U.S. highways, only U.S. 101 and California 110 remain signed at this historic interchange. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 reaches Exit 3B, California 110 and Interstate 110. At this point, the Hollywood Freeway ends and the Santa Ana Freeway begins, although no signs announce this fact anymore. U.S. 101 forms the top deck of the four level structure, while California 110 forms the second level from the bottom. The various symmetrical ramps form the other levels. Photos taken 03/15/09, 09/27/07, and 08/24/04. |
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Now on the transition ramp to Exit 3B in the Four Level Interchange, the left lane connects to California 110 (Pasadena Freeway) (Arroyo Seco Parkway/Former U.S. 66) north to Pasadena and the right lane connects to California 110 and Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway) south to San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles. Photos taken 09/27/07 and 08/24/04. |
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Connecting to Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway) south, the Los Angeles downtown skyline immediately comes into view. Local traffic to downtown exits should use the right three lanes; through traffic for San Pedro, Interstate 10 west, and the port should merge left. Photo taken 09/27/07. |
| U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) (El Camino Real) south |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) south is Exit 3A, Temple Street. Use Exit 3A to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) (founded in 1979), the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (formerly the Temporary Contemporary, which opened in 1983), and the Walt Disney Concert Hall (home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra; opened on October 23, 2003). Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Back on the mainline and passing through the Four-Level Interchange, U.S. 101 shifts designations from the Hollywood Freeway to the Santa Ana Freeway. U.S. 101 forms the top level of this symmetrical stack interchange. After the interchange sequence sign, U.S. 101 south reaches the next off-ramp, at Exit 3A, Temple Street. The next exit is Exit 2C, Broadway. Photos taken 03/15/09, 09/25/05, and 08/24/04. |
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As traffic merges onto the freeway from California 110, the right two lanes of southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) will connect to Exit 2C, Broadway. Note the overhead signage for Exit 1D, eastbound Interstate 10. Southbound U.S. 101 will feed directly into southbound Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway). The signage gets to be rapid and exits come quickly, so it is best to pay attention and know your destination. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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Use the Broadway exit to El Pueblo de los Angeles State Historic Park, Olvera Street, and the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) reaches Exit 2C, Broadway. The next exit along U.S. 101 south is Exit 2B, Los Angeles Street. Note that the exit numbers have been changed between the 1971 exit numbering experiment and the new Calnexus uniform exit numbering system. As a result, the old exit numbers provided on these overhead signs are no longer accurate. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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This interchange sequence sign provides the distance to Exit 2B, Los Angeles Street; Exit 2A, Alameda Street; and Exit 1E, Mission Road. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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Immediately thereafter, southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) reaches Exit 2B, Los Angeles Street. The below-grade section of U.S. 101 between Broadway and Alameda Street is known as the Downtown Slot or simply as The Slot. It is a frequently congested and busy stretch of freeway that abuts the northeast edge of downtown Los Angeles. Photos taken 09/25/05 and 07/03/05. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) south is Exit 2A, Alameda Street to Union Station. The overhead sign was replaced by 2008 with an exit number sign. Photos taken 11/08/08 and 08/24/04. |
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This interchange sequence sign provides the distance to Exit 2A, Alameda Street; Exit 1E, Mission Road; and Exit 1D, Spur I-10 east to Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) east to San Bernardino, Palm Springs, and Phoenix. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) south reaches Exit 2A, Alameda Street to Union Station. Alameda Street is a major north-south city street that extends from downtown Los Angeles south toward the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The section of Alameda Street between California 91 and Henry Ford Avenue is a state highway (California 47) and has overpasses major cross streets to allow truck and railroad traffic to move through the area more rapidly. The overhead sign was augmented by a new exit number tab by 2008. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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A second gore point exit number sign for Exit 2A, Alameda Street is posted prior to the new Gold Line light rail extension. The Gold Line light rail extension crosses U.S. 101 at this point; construction has been underway for several years and is expected to open in July 2009. The Metro Gold Line connects eastern Los Angeles with Pasadena; the extension would connect East Los Angeles via Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights. A separate Gold Line extension is planned from Pasadena east to Montclair by 2014 and possibly to Ontario International Airport at some later time. Photos taken 11/08/08. |
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The next exit along U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) south is Exit 1E, Mission Road. An exit number overhead sign is posted for this off-ramp. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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The right lane connects to Exit 1E, Mission Road, and the left two lanes link to Exit 1D, Spur I-10/San Bernardino Freeway east to Interstate 10 east. The middle two lanes continue south on U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) to Interstate 5. U.S. 101 soon enters the sprawling East Los Angeles Interchange. The new overhead signs, which include exit number tabs posted on top of the signs, were placed by 2008. Photos taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 reaches Exit 1E, Mission Road just prior to Exit 1D, Spur I-10/San Bernardino Freeway east to Interstate 10 east. An Alternate Interstate 5 and Interstate 10 sign is posted, suggesting traffic continue straight ahead for the alternate route. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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An exit number gore point for Exit 1E is posted at the off-ramp. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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The left two lanes connect to Interstate 10 east to San Bernardino, while the right two lanes continue south on U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) to Interstate 5 south to Santa Ana and San Diego. The overhead signs were replaced by 2008 to include the exit tabs above the sign and also to clarify the continuation of U.S. 101 south through the East Los Angeles Interchange. The bridges along U.S. 101 through this major interchange, as well as most freeways in and around downtown Los Angeles, have their own distinct architecture. Photos taken 03/15/09, 09/25/05, and 08/24/04. |
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Now in the East Los Angeles Interchange, the next exit along U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) south is Exit 1C, First Street. The sign was replaced to include the exit number between 2004 and 2010. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 08/24/04. |
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First Street travels west back toward downtown Los Angeles from the east, crossing the Los Angeles River on its way. Between the U.S. 101 and Interstate 10 bridges over the river, First Street is one of four city streets to cross the Los Angeles River (the other three are Fourth Street, Sixth Street, and Seventh Street). Most of these bridges date back almost a century and are built to historic bridge standards. To see some of these bridges, follow First Street west toward downtown. Photo taken 03/15/09 and 08/24/04. |
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Use Exit 1C (First Street) to the Boyle Heights community of the city of Los Angeles. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) reaches Exit 1C, First Street. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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This interchange sequence sign provides the distance to the final four exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 1B, Fourth Street; Exit 1A, Seventh Street; Exit 0B, California 60 (Pomona Freeway) east to Pomona and Riverside; and Exit 0A, Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) south to Orange County and San Diego. There is no access to Interstate 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) west. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) reaches Exit 1B, Fourth Street. The next exit is Exit 1A, Seventh Street. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Another interchange sequence sign provides the distance to the final three exits along U.S. 101 south: Exit 1A, Seventh Street; Exit 0B, California 60 (Pomona Freeway) east to Pomona and Riverside; and Exit 0A, Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) south to Orange County and San Diego. In addition, this sign provides the distance to Euclid Avenue, which is the next exit from Interstate 5 south (Exit 133). Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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The left two lanes continue south on U.S. 101 to Interstate 5; the right lane connects to Exit 1A, Seventh Street and Exit 0B, California 60 (Pomona Freeway) east to Riverside. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Use the middle lane to Soto Street. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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Old U.S. 101 (Whittier Boulevard, which changes into Sixth Street upon crossing the Los Angeles River) passes over the freeway alignment at this point. Originally, U.S. 101 followed Whittier Boulevard southeast to La Habra (portions of this route are still maintained by the state as part of California 72), then turned south on Harbor Boulevard (former California 250) through Fullerton to Anaheim, where old U.S. 101 again links with Interstate 5. The realignment of U.S. 101 from the Whittier-Harbor alignment to the more direct Santa Ana Freeway alignment resulted in a major rerouting of U.S. 101. today's Interstate 5 follows the bypass freeway alignment of U.S. 101 rather than use the older, less direct routing through La Habra. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) reaches Exit 1A, Seventh Street. Use Seventh Street west to downtown Los Angeles and east to Soto Street. A direct exit to Soto Street is also provided via eastbound California 60 (Pomona Freeway). Photos taken 08/24/04 and 02/26/11. |
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The freeway next passes through this stack interchange, which is technically part of the East Los Angeles Interchange complex but is named in honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Eugene A. Obregon (US Marine Corps). The top level is the mainline of Interstate 5 south and Interstate 10 west just before those two routes split. This will enable southbound U.S. 101 to merge directly into Interstate 5 south from the left. The middle bridge carries Seventh Street over U.S. 101. The last bridge carries the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) just before Interstate 10 east merges with Interstate 5 north. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 08/24/04. |
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Immediately thereafter, U.S. 101 splits. The left two lanes continue south on the Santa Ana Freeway to merge with Interstate 5 south. The right two lanes transition onto California 60 east. To Soto Street, use the California 60 transition ramp. To Euclid Avenue, follow the ramp to Interstate 5 south. Note that neither of these overhead signs contain U.S. 101 shields, unlike the earlier signs. This is the end of U.S. 101 in the heart of the East Los Angeles Interchange, and there is no end shield posted. Photos taken 09/25/05 and 08/24/04. |
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Now on the transition ramp to California 60 (Pomona Freeway) east, this ramp links U.S. 101 south to Soto Street. Photo taken 08/24/04. |
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Back on the mainline, a 1947 date stamp is found amid lots of graffiti. You can also see the nearby Soto Street exit from the California 60 transition ramp. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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The final exit on U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) south is Exit 0A, Euclid Avenue. After this final off-ramp, U.S. 101 south will merge with Interstate 5 south as promised by the preceding overhead sign. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
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The next three exits along the southbound Santa Ana Freeway are Exit 0A, Euclid Avenue; Exit 132, Indiana Street; and Exit 131B, Ditman Avenue. The second two exits are actually on Interstate 5, while the first exit is from U.S. 101 (and is shown on CalNexus with an exit number of Exit 133). Photo taken 09/25/05. |
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Southbound U.S. 101 (Santa Ana Freeway) reaches Exit 0A, Euclid Avenue. After this off-ramp, U.S. 101 will merge onto Interstate 5 south. Photo taken 09/25/05. |
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U.S. 101 reduces to two lanes as the Santa Ana Freeway prepares to merge with Interstate 5. U.S. 101 joins Interstate 5 from the left. No end shield is posted for U.S. 101. Photo taken 09/25/05. |
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U.S. 101 ends and both lanes merge onto Interstate 5 south. The Santa Ana Freeway continues south all the way to the Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) interchange in Irvine. Photo taken 03/15/09. |
Page Updated April 14, 2011.
