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Attention commuters: traffic on the 405 Freeway could be slower as it undergoes upgrades
The 405 Freeway during rush hour on March 10, 2022 in Los Angeles.
(
Patrick T. Fallon
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
A more than 10-mile stretch of the 405 Freeway will soon be getting some safety and mobility upgrades over the next four years.
The nearly $144 million project will span from Victory Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley to Wilshire Boulevard in West L.A. along the Sepulveda Pass.
It’s an essential route for commuters that deal with heavy, continuous traffic, according to the California Department of Transportation, which announced the project earlier this month.
Lauren Walike, public information officer, told LAist that drivers should watch for workers and prepare to slow down.
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"Obviously safety is our number one priority, and so we want to make sure that drivers are taking that into account when they drive, really in any construction zone," Walike said.
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The details
It’s considered a pavement rehabilitation project, which basically means they’re trying to prolong the freeway’s life.
It’ll include replacing sections of two lanes in each direction from Victory Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, while parts of other lanes will be repaired between West L.A. and the San Fernando Valley.
The project will also:
- Replace two overhead sign structures and nearly 100 sign panels with retroreflective versions
- Upgrade 6,400 feet of guardrail
- Restore 10 culverts
- Upgrade 10 ADA ramps at on-and-off-ramps
- Build new pullouts in four areas
- Replace fiber-optic cables and upgrade 2.5 miles of existing communications conduit
What you should know
Construction is scheduled to begin in the coming months, although an exact date has not been set. It's expected to last through winter 2029.
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A map of the nearly $144 million pavement rehabilitation project that's set to start in the coming months.
(
Courtesy of Caltrans
)
People who live and work nearby may experience noise, vibrations and dust from the construction. The noise will not exceed city, state and federal regulations, according to Caltrans.
The specific construction schedules will be shared in advance, but expect 22 extended partial weekend closures over the course of the project, as well as potential nightly closures and occasional full closures.
"Interstate 405 could be reduced to two or three lanes — in either direction — kind of depending on the project's needs," Walike said
Detour routes will be available for those who need to continue their commute on the 405 Freeway. Signs will be installed, and you’ll be able to find more information on Caltrans’ social media pages here and here.
You can also check the Caltrans Quickmap for the latest conditions and closures.
How to get more information
Caltrans is hosting a virtual meeting that includes a project presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday.
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You can register to attend here. You’ll get an invitation to join the webinar after that’s approved.
If you have more questions, you can also email: repave.405@dot.ca.gov
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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