First days of 'Rampture' are looking good

For all the breathless anticipation, closing off two of the eight Wilshire Boulevard ramps to the 405 hasn't created any new traffic hassles. Wilshire seems lighter than usual and Santa Monica Boulevard - one of the alternate ways of getting on and off the freeway - seems a bit heavier than usual. Otherwise, pretty normal stuff. "So far so good," said MTA spokesman Dave Sotero. "We haven't received reports of traffic congestion beyond what ordinarily occurs on the Westside on a daily basis." (I can always tell if there's trouble by the helicopter activity above my house, and after an early-morning flurry on Monday, it's been quiet.) Kevin Roderick, who says his Wilshire commute has been a breeze, figures that people are making route adjustments - or just staying away. Two other possible factors: UCLA is out for the summer and more folks are on vacation in advance of next week's holiday. But at some point, these people will be coming back to work or school. Dare we hope that the good times can last?

Earlier: If 'Rampture' turns out to be an unmitigated disaster, is there a Plan B?