I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes

Metro is studying ways to improve travel reliability and help people move more efficiently along one of Los Angeles County’s busiest freeway corridors: the I-405. Heavy traffic can make everyday trips slow and unpredictable, and the existing carpool lanes do not always provide the reliable travel times they were designed to offer.

Project Type
Mixed-Mode
Current Phase
Planning
I-4055 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes
I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project: Stay connected
 
Metro, in coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is studying potential improvements to the I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass between the I-10 and the US-101 to improve corridor operations, support safer travel and provide more reliable travel choices.
 
ExpressLanes are optional lanes that offer a more reliable trip. Qualifying carpools, vanpools, buses and motorcycles can travel toll-free, while solo drivers may choose to pay a toll. Regular freeway lanes remain free.
 
The project is evaluating three build alternatives:
 
• Convert the existing carpool lane in each direction to an ExpressLane.
 
• Convert the existing carpool lane in each direction to an ExpressLane and add a second ExpressLane.
 
• Keep the existing carpool lane in each direction and add a second carpool lane.
 
The environmental review also includes a no-build alternative as a baseline for comparison.
 
Alternatives are being evaluated for their potential to improve travel reliability and safety, encourage carpooling and transit use, and move people more efficiently.
 
No alternative has been selected.
 
What happens next?
The project is approaching an important milestone: the anticipated release of the Draft Environmental Document in late 2026. It will describe the alternatives, their potential environmental effects and measures to avoid or reduce those effects.
 
The public will have opportunities to review the document and submit formal comments through public hearings and other submission options. The public can also comment on alternatives considered but not advanced for further study.
 
Sign up for updates to receive project news, learn about opportunities to get involved and be notified when the document is available.
I-4055 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes

Release of the Draft Environmental Document in late 2026.

The I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project is approaching an important milestone: the anticipated release of the Draft Environmental Document (Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement) in late 2026.

The document will describe the alternatives being studied, their potential environmental effects and measures to avoid or reduce those effects. No alternative has been selected.

Once the document is released, the public can review it and provide comments by email, by voice message, in writing, or at public hearings, neighborhood listening sessions and pop-up events. Metro will continue sharing updates and resources to help the public prepare for the review and comment period. Sign up to be notified when the document is available and learn how to participate.

Planning and Community Insights

Understand the Project

Learn about the project options and how they are evaluated through the environmental review process. 

Explore the Project Alternatives

Explore the Details

View the project corridor, options being studied, technical studies, and other helpful information on the interactive Project Hub.

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Stay Informed and Participate

Stay informed about the project, upcoming public hearings, neighborhood listening sessions, the release of the Draft Environmental Document, and other opportunities to participate. Sign up for project updates to learn when and how you can review project information and provide comments.

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Events

No Events Found

2027-2028

Final Environmental Document

Final ED Release with selection of Preferred Alternative and responses to comments received during DED public review period
Metro Board Recommends Preferred Alternative to Caltrans
Caltrans Approves Final ED and selects Preferred Alternative
2027-2028
2026-2027

Draft Environmental Document and Public Comment Period

Public circulation of Draft Environmental Document (DED), public hearings, and comment period

2026-2027
2021-2026

Environmental Review and Alternatives Development

Alternatives Screening and Development of Technical Studies and Draft Environmental Document (DED)

2021-2026
2021

Public Scoping Meetings & Comment Period

Metro held public scoping meetings and invited comments to help identify issues and topics for study during the environmental review process. 

Over 650 comments received

2021

Documents

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project?

Metro, in coordination with Caltrans, is studying potential improvements to the I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass, between the I-10 and the US-101. The project is exploring ways to improve travel reliability, support safer travel and help people move more efficiently between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. 

2. How do ExpressLanes work, and would I have to pay to use I-405?

ExpressLanes are optional lanes with tolls that adjust based on traffic conditions to help keep traffic moving and travel times more predictable. Drivers can continue using the regular lanes without paying a toll. Qualifying carpools, vanpools and transit can use ExpressLanes toll-free, while solo drivers can choose to pay. Operating policies for the proposed I-405 ExpressLanes are still being studied.

3. What potential benefits are being studied?

The project is studying improvements to support safer travel and more reliable trips. Potential features include improved lighting, reflective lane markers, lane separation posts, vehicle occupancy enforcement and Freeway Service Patrol assistance for disabled vehicles. ExpressLanes could generate toll revenue to help cover project costs and potentially support other transportation improvements. Specific improvements and potential toll revenue would depend on the alternative selected. No alternative has been selected to date.

4. Has Metro selected a project alternative?

No alternative has been selected. Metro and Caltrans are evaluating alternatives through environmental review and technical studies. The public will have an opportunity to review the Draft Environmental Document and provide comments before a project decision is made.

5. When can I review the environmental findings and provide input?

The Draft Environmental Document is anticipated for release in late 2026, followed by a public review and comment period of at least 60 days. Provide input by email, voice message or in writing, or at public hearings, neighborhood listening sessions and pop-up events. Visit metro.net/405expresslanes to learn more and sign up for project updates and information about opportunities to participate. The project schedule, including the document’s anticipated release, may change.

Get Involved

Help shape this project for good. We want to hear from you:

Stay informed and share your input.

Stay informed and share your input.

There are several ways to learn more about the project, ask questions and participate as the environmental review moves forward. 

Email Us 213.922.4860
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