What Is 2nd Street, Los Angeles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 2nd Street in Los Angeles is a major east-west thoroughfare running through Downtown LA, notable for the historic 2nd Street Tunnel and proximity to cultural landmarks like The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Completed in 1926, the tunnel is a celebrated example of early 20th-century infrastructure and a popular filming location.

Key Facts

The 2nd Street Tunnel was completed in 1926 and spans one city block beneath Bunker Hill.
It is one of 18 vehicular tunnels in Los Angeles County, primarily used for traffic flow in Downtown LA.
The tunnel has been featured in over 50 films and TV shows, including 'Grease' and 'The Fast and the Furious'.
2nd Street runs from Boyle Heights in the east to Westlake in the west, approximately 1.8 miles long.
The street is served by DASH buses and is adjacent to the Red and Purple Metro lines at Civic Center station.

Overview

2nd Street in Los Angeles is a key east-west corridor in Downtown LA, connecting neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Westlake. It runs from the Los Angeles River in the east to near MacArthur Park in the west, passing through the historic core and Bunker Hill districts.

The street is most famous for the 2nd Street Tunnel, an architectural landmark completed in 1926. This tunnel is renowned for its Art Deco design, brick-lined walls, and dramatic lighting, making it a favorite among filmmakers and urban explorers.

Construction began in 1924 and the 2nd Street Tunnel officially opened to traffic in 1926, designed to ease congestion between downtown and the growing west side.
The tunnel is approximately 700 feet long and runs beneath Bunker Hill, connecting 2nd Street on both ends through a gently curved passage.
It features 12-foot-wide lanes and a low ceiling, contributing to its iconic, slightly claustrophobic atmosphere often highlighted in cinematic shots.
2nd Street itself spans roughly 1.8 miles, starting at S. Lorena Street and ending near Wilshire Boulevard, serving both local and through traffic.
The area around 2nd Street has undergone significant redevelopment, with high-rise offices, luxury apartments, and cultural venues like The Broad Museum nearby.

How It Works

The 2nd Street Tunnel operates as a one-way, two-lane tunnel carrying westbound traffic from Downtown LA toward the Figueroa corridor. It connects seamlessly with surface streets and major freeways, functioning as a critical link in the city’s transportation network.

Traffic Flow: The tunnel allows westbound-only vehicles, with eastbound traffic rerouted via 3rd and 4th Streets to manage congestion and safety.
Lighting System: The tunnel uses neon-style lighting that creates a glowing effect, originally installed in the 1920s and restored in the 2000s for aesthetic and safety reasons.
Material Construction: Built with reinforced concrete and glazed brick, the tunnel’s walls have endured nearly a century of use with minimal structural degradation.
Acoustic Properties: The enclosed space creates a distinct echo effect, often used in film and music production for ambient sound recording.
Security Monitoring: The tunnel is equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and emergency call boxes, managed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.
Maintenance Schedule: Regular inspections occur every three months, with major cleaning and repair work conducted annually to preserve its historic integrity.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 2nd Street Tunnel with four other notable tunnels in Los Angeles:

Tunnel	Year Opened	Length	Lanes	Notable Use
2nd Street Tunnel	1926	700 ft	2 westbound	Film shoots, daily commute
Cloverfield Tunnel	1930	500 ft	4 lanes	Freeway access (I-10)
Hoover Street Tunnel	1925	600 ft	2 lanes	Residential access
Paramount Tunnel	1923	1,200 ft	2 lanes	Industrial freight
3rd Street Tunnel	1925	750 ft	2 eastbound	Commuter traffic

This table highlights how the 2nd Street Tunnel stands out for its historical significance and cultural impact, despite not being the longest or widest. Its frequent use in media and tourism differentiates it from more utilitarian tunnels in the city.

Why It Matters

The 2nd Street Tunnel and surrounding corridor are vital to LA’s identity, blending transportation function with cultural symbolism. Its preservation reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining historic infrastructure while adapting to modern urban needs.

The tunnel has appeared in over 50 productions, including 'Grease', 'The Fast and the Furious', and 'Transformers', boosting LA’s reputation as a filming capital.
It supports daily commutes for thousands of drivers, serving as a critical westbound passage during peak traffic hours.
Preservation efforts have secured its status as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, ensuring future generations can experience its unique design.
The area around 2nd Street contributes to the $2.3 billion annual tourism economy of Downtown LA, drawing visitors for photos and architecture tours.
Urban planners cite the tunnel as a model for integrating historic structures into contemporary traffic systems without compromising safety.
Its distinctive aesthetics have inspired public art projects and light-based installations during events like Downtown LA’s 'Night Lights' festival.

Ultimately, 2nd Street and its tunnel represent more than just a route—they are symbols of Los Angeles’ layered history, cinematic legacy, and ongoing urban evolution.