Four Level Interchange, interchange in Los Angeles County, California, United States
The Four Level Interchange is a highway junction in Los Angeles where roads are stacked on top of each other to allow vehicles to change direction without crossing paths. The structure is made of reinforced concrete and connects major routes, with ramps and connecting roads arranged below the main upper level.
Built in 1949 and opened to traffic in 1953, it was the first of its kind in the world, introducing a new system for managing dense urban highways. The project required relocating over 4,000 people and was the most expensive half-mile of highway ever constructed at that time.
Locals call this place 'The Stacks' because of its layered design, a name that has become part of everyday speech in Los Angeles. The structure represents the post-war expansion of the city, when highway building was seen as a sign of progress and modern development.
This junction can feel overwhelming for drivers, especially during peak hours, as about 500,000 vehicles use it daily. It helps to plan your route beforehand and drive attentively when navigating through the multi-lane sections.
The Los Angeles Times called the structure in 1949 'the most photogenic pile of cement in town,' highlighting its visual appeal beyond mere function. In 2006 it was officially renamed the Bill Keene Memorial Interchange, honoring a local broadcaster famous for traffic reports.
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