By Kavish Harjai for LAist
Originally published on March 27, 2026
Topline:
Caltrans installed gates on the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles ahead of “No Kings” protests, which are taking place Saturday. The gates will be permanent, according to Eric Menjivar, media relations manager with the local Caltrans district.
Where: Caltrans crews put the gates up at the Los Angeles Street on- and off-ramps.
Why: The request for the gates came from the California Highway Patrol, Menjivar said in a statement. “During previous protest activities, this location has seen pedestrians walk onto the highway using these ramps, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians and motorists,” he added.
How will they be used: The ramps won’t be closed off unless California Highway Patrol officials decide to deploy them. Menjivar said the gates are meant to “ensure people are out of harm’s way of fast-moving vehicles and motorists can safely use the highway.” LAist has reached out to California Highway Patrol.
Protests: No Kings protests will take place across the country for the third time Saturday. There are more than 50 protests scheduled in the L.A. region. “Many of the organizations that have coordinated with us are sending feeder marches or caravans to attend the rally in downtown L.A.,” said Nick Miller, a press coordinator for 50501 SoCal, which is part of the No Kings coalition. You can see the full list of the planned local actions here.