In an announcement made on Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that repairs on a Los Angeles freeway that was closed due to an arson fire are progressing at a faster rate than expected. Governor Newsom assured the public that all lanes of the elevated Interstate 10, which was closed after the blaze last Saturday, will be reopened by next Tuesday.

Initially, officials estimated that the repairs could take anywhere between three to five weeks to complete, as the fire had burned approximately 100 support columns along the mile-long stretch near downtown. However, after assessing the bridge structure, Newsom revealed during an evening news conference that it is in better shape than anticipated.

"We will be open, five lanes in both directions, at the latest Tuesday of next week," Governor Newsom assured the public. Over 250 workers are currently working around the clock to expedite the repairs.

The closure of the elevated freeway has undoubtedly caused significant disruptions to commuters in Los Angeles, as an estimated 300,000 vehicles use this section daily. The freeway serves as a vital artery for east-west travel across the metropolis and connects with other major highways. In response, the city has been urging residents to find alternate modes of transportation such as buses and trains or work remotely from their homes.

The fire, which quickly spread over 8 acres (3 hectares), was fueled by various materials stored under the freeway in an industrial neighborhood. Pallets, cars, construction materials, and even hand sanitizer played a role in the blaze. Thankfully, no injuries were reported due to the swift action taken to evacuate 16 homeless individuals residing in an encampment nearby, who were relocated to shelters.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her relief during a press conference, stating, "This is a good day in Los Angeles." The progress of the repairs represents a significant step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring smooth traffic flow in the city.

As repairs continue to progress at an accelerated pace, the California Department of Transportation remains committed to completing the necessary work to reopen the stretch of Interstate 10. With the reopening of all lanes on schedule, commuters can look forward to having their regular travel routes restored next week.