Metal gates have been installed at several on-ramps and off-ramps along the 101 Freeway ahead of planned ‘No Kings’ protests on Saturday, a new tactic to stop people from going onto the freeway and blocking traffic.
The installation of the gates previously was planned for safety purposes, Caltrans said. The black metal gates swing open and will only be closed if needed. They were installed in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol.
“These gates are a proactive safety measure to ensure individuals do not enter the highway using these ramps, which would create dangerous conditions for both pedestrians and drivers,” Caltrans PIO Eric Menjivar said.
The gates are located at the southbound 101 to the Los Angeles Street off ramp and on the southbound 101 from the Los Angeles Street on ramp. Drivers can use other entrances and exits before or after Los Angeles Street to reach their destinations, Caltrans said.
The gates are permanent additions, the agency said. They cost about $400,000, according to Caltrans.
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Vehicles enters the southbound Los Angeles Street onramp 101 Freeway where Caltrans installed a swinging gate to keep marchers off the highway in Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, 2026 a day before a “No Kings” protest. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Vehicles enters the southbound Los Angeles Street onramp 101 Freeway where Caltrans installed a swinging gate to keep marchers off the highway in Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, 2026 a day before a “No Kings” protest. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Protests in Downtown Los Angeles have often spilled onto the freeway, including during immigration protests last summer.
Saturday’s protest, the third iteration of ‘No Kings’ protests, is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in downtown Los Angeles.