A triathlon and races in Brentwood and Century City are some of the 405 Freeway adjacent events that will go on in the face of Carmageddon II -- this weekend's closure of the freeway for bridge work in the Sepulveda Pass.
The closure prompted calls from transportation officials for drivers to avoid the Westside, but the date for the Herbalife Triathlon was confirmed about a year ago. The triathlon and two 5k races Sunday are expected to draw thousands of athletes and spectators.
"We can't change it because we've already done city permits, county permits, worked with the sponsors," said event spokeswoman Jan Fambro.
The triathlon route includes a stretch from Venice Beach to downtown Los Angeles. About 2,800 people are expected to participate.
The event is the sixth of seven races on the national Toyota Cup schedule.
No major traffic issues were reported during the July 2011 closure, but more students will be on UCLA's campus for the Saturday-Sunday sequel. Marissa Torres plans to stay on campus in Westwood during the weekend.
"People are just going to stay on campus because it's just going to be a big hassle," Torres said.
Complete Coverage: Your Carmageddon Survival Guide
Students received e-mails from school officials warning them of the closure.
Bel Air Presbyterian Church, located just west of the 405 Freeway on Mulholland Drive, canceled Sunday services for the July 2011 closure. The church canceled its 9 a.m. Sunday service this weekend, but will conduct services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Skirball Center will be closed to the public, but a bar mitzvah scheduled for Saturday has a guest list of 200 people.
The closure is part of the 405 Freeway widening project. Crews will begin demolition work on the north side of the Mulholland Bridge Saturday.
The road will remain closed for 24 hours each weekend day. It is expected to reopen early Monday.
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