Century Boulevard intersection near LAX to shut last weekend in July

They’re calling it the Century Crunch.

Although it’s not expected to be a full on 405 Freeway-style Carmageddon, L.A. transit and airport officials are advising travelers who rely on Century Boulevard for access to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to plan for a road closure at the end of July.

The intersection of Century and Aviation boulevards a few blocks from the entrance to LAX will be closed for 57 hours to allow construction crews to demolish a bridge and make way for a Metro station.

That’s on top of summer construction within the airport because of its big upgrade.

The intersection will be closed in both directions from 9 p.m. Friday, July 25, til 6 a.m. Monday, July 28.

Bus riders also can expect detours on airport service, i.e., Metro Bus 117, the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Line 3, Culver City Bus Line 3 and others.

The roadway will be closed to remove the bridge and open space for a Metro station that would serve a new 8.5-mile light rail line with eight stops along Crenshaw Boulevard.

But back to the street closures. Here are some alternatives LAX-bound drivers should consider:

--The Sepulveda Boulevard entrance/exit to the airport will remain open.

--Westbound drivers on Century Boulevard can head north on La Cienega, west on Manchester Boulevard and then south on Airport Boulevard to rejoin Century Boulevard and continue to LAX. (Eastbound drivers heading out of the airport should follow the reverse route.)

--Park in Parking Lot C at 96th Street and Sepulveda Boulevard and take a free shuttle to terminals, or wait for passengers at the Cellphone Waiting lot at 96th Street and Vicksburg Avenue.

--If you don’t want the predicted traffic hassle, consider a FlyAway bus from downtown L.A., Van Nuys, Westwood, the Expo/La Brea Metro and new service starting Tuesday in Santa Monica. One-way tickets cost $7 to $10, depending on where you get on.

--Take a bus to the LAX City Bus Center, where a short walk takes you to an airport shuttle; or take the Metro Green Line, get off at the LAX/Aviation stop and connect to the airport with a free shuttle bus.

Info: Public transportation options to LAX, Details on Metro bridge demolition