(Feb. 11, 2004) -- Don't even think about driving on Lakewood Blvd. between Conant and Carson Streets from Monday through Friday in the coming work week (Feb. 14-18). It'll be closed.

For basically five days -- from 12:01 a.m. Monday Feb. 14 through Friday night Feb. 18 (at 11:59 p.m.) -- Lakewood Blvd. between Carson and Conant Sts. will be closed so workers can dismantle the Boeing overcrossing bridge.

The bridge once linked the office complex on the eastside of Lakewood Blvd. with the now former factory complex on the west side of the thoroughfare.

The factories have been torn down to make way for what will become Douglas Park...and the bridge now leads to nowhere.

Lakewood Blvd. between Conant and Carson Sts. will be closed from 12:01 a.m. Monday Feb 14...and is scheduled to reopen by 12:01 a.m. Saturday Feb. 19.

City Hall's public works department suggests the following south-bound detour: Take Carson to Clark, then either Conant, Wardlow, or Spring to return to Lakewood Boulevard. The reverse will work for a north-bound detour. Signal timing on this detour route will be adjusted to accommodate any additional traffic.

"I have encouraged Boeing Realty to do all they can to safely complete the demolition more quickly than scheduled to accommodate our local residents and business owners," said Vice Mayor Jackie Kell, who represents ELB's 5th Council district. "It is our intent to minimize the inconvenience, and to keep all residents informed through this closure and all other projects concerning Douglas Park."

The City Council approved the 261-acre Douglas Park development in December 2004. The plans include 3.3 million square feet of offices, commercial and retail space, plus 1,400 homes and over 13 acres of parks. For further info on Douglas Park, visit www.douglaspark.org.