Photos: L.A.’s blocked sidewalks

The South Park area of downtown Los Angeles is awash with construction, resulting in at least many sidewalks being closed to pedestrians. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 1, 2014 10:40 PM PT

Construction cranes are slicing through the air in downtown Los Angeles as the biggest building boom in decades transforms the skyline. But the economic surge has also produced a dangerous consequence. So many sidewalks have been closed to accommodate construction that pedestrians are walking into the streets amid traffic to get around.

A woman uses a temporary walkway in downtown L.A. Construction projects are not required to provide alternate walkways when they close sidewalks unless the city requires it. Many of the sidewalks near construction sites are closed for months -- some even for years. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Along 7th Street, the Macy’s/Sheraton Hotel complex is undergoing reconstruction, resulting in closed sidewalks and difficult access along one of downtown’s busiest arteries. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

People negotiate one of the many areas of downtown L.A. where sidewalks have been closed because of construction. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Pedestrians use a temporary walkway in downtown Los Angeles. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)