Streets to Close as Endeavour Heads to Science Center
The space shuttle Endeavour will embark on its 26th mission through the streets of L.A. towards its final destination at the California Science Center this weekend.
The shuttle will leave LAX around 2 a.m. Friday morning, and won't arrive at the museum until 9 p.m. the following day.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation will begin closing streets along Endeavour's route as early as 10 p.m. Friday.
Endeavour will travel at top speeds of 2 mph throughout its 12-mile journey, and will make many hour-long stops as workers lift power lines and deactivate traffic signals along the closed streets.
"While this once-in-a-lifetime event is a cause for celebration, public safety remains the city's top priority," Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a press release. "We encourage the public to view Endeavour as it travels through the streets of Los Angeles, but urge that we do so in the safest manner possible."
Spectators are being urged to watch the event from the following official public viewing locations:
- 8 a.m. Saturday at Inglewood City Hall
- 9 a.m. Saturday at the Inglewood Forum (the shuttle will stop for approximately 30 minutes)
- 2 p.m. Saturday at Crenshaw Blvd. & Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (the shuttle will stop for approximately 30 minutes)
- 8:30 p.m. Saturday at The California Science Center
For those who can't attend the organized viewings, and plan on watching from city streets, police say sidewalks will be open on a case-by-case basis.
"We urge the public to arrive early, be prepared to stand long hours and remember to bring water, snacks, sun block, hats and chairs," LAPD said in a statement.
A full list of street closures can be viewed on the California Science Center website.