For weeks, Angelenos have been warned to avoid the area on LA’s West Side. If they don’t, officials warn, a citywide traffic jam could result. But beyond just scare tactics, city officials have been encouraging Southern Californians to get out and enjoy their own neighborhoods on foot, on bikes or via short drives on surface streets.

During a similar closure last year commuters stayed away from the freeway in droves, the shutdown was considered a success, and crews finished the first phase of the work early.

This time, the contractor faces a penalty if the work isn’t done in 53 hours. The fine is $6,000 per lane of freeway, for every 10 minutes over the deadline.