Updated: Jumper Forces Hollywood (101) Freeway Closure in Both Directions

A man perched on the edge of an overpass prompted the closure today of the Hollywood (101) Freeway in Studio City for several hours.

Authorities were notified about 1:35 p.m. that the man was on the Lankershim Boulevard overpass, Los Angeles Police Officer Jack Richter said. As of 5:40 p.m., he was taken into custody, and authorities said the freeway would reopen shortly after.

Both sides of the freeway were closed as the man moved from side to side, police said.

Firefighters below the overpass set up three air bags, which they scrambled to move as the man shifted his position, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The northbound freeway was closed at Lankershim Boulevard, while the southbound side was closed at Vineland Avenue.

Northbound traffic was backed up to downtown Los Angeles as the afternoon commute got underway, according to SigAlert.com.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock