Parts of 73 Freeway Shut Down for “The Hangover III” Filming
Posted on October 19, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A section of an Orange County freeway was shut down temporarily to make way for a filming of a movie. From LA to the OC, the film industry has found an ideal new location within the often quiet roads of a lesser-used highway. The 73 toll road, a highway that goes through the hills of Orange County, temporarily became the movie location for the raunchy third installation of “The Hangover.”
On Saturday, Oct. 16, at around 5 a.m., the 73 toll road was shut down. Many Orange County residents were unaware of the closure despite multiple signs stationed weeks before giving advanced notice of the temporary closure. One Costa Mesa Councilman was unhappy with the shutting down of the freeway, deeming it “outrageous.”
While many residents were forewarned about the 73 toll road-less weekend, they were not told that the closure was because of a film shoot. The Costa Mesa Councilman stated, “I just don’t see the national security on keeping a secret from us on where Hangover III is going to be filmed.” Whatever the movie creators’ decisions were on keep the movie a secret, trying to prevent crowds from sneaking onto the toll road must have been a primary influence on their secretive decision.
Many house owners thought the closure was because of construction work. Since much road work was being done around the area, assuming construction work was a pretty good guess. But as soon as many residents discovered it was for the controversial movie “The Hangover III”, many parents were unhappy.
The southbound 73 freeway was closed from the 405 freeway to the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway from 5 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A portion of the 55 from the 55 freeway to Jamboree Road was also shut down from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The northbound 73 has a 1-mile segment closed from Jamboree to Campus Driver from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Sections of the 73 freeway which did not shut down were not part of the toll road. Payment for toll road access starts further down the 73.
All in all, the filming and process went by smoothly and safely. Alternate routes were provided and no serious personal injury was found among any drivers. However, if you have been hurt in an accident, contact an Irvine accident lawyer today.
