Metro and Caltrans released a scoping summary report and video update (see above) today for the I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes project, which is looking at options to implement ExpressLanes on the 405 freeway through the Sepulveda Pass. Metro and Caltrans began the environmental review process for the project last summer with scoping, where the public provided feedback on project alternatives and what should be studied as part of the environmental studies.

During the 60-day scoping comment period, over 650 scoping comments from the public were received. Comments ranged on a variety of topics including the proposed alternatives, environmental topics, related projects, support for transit, ExpressLanes operations and equity.

Scoping was the initial step in the environmental process and there will be more opportunities to participate and provide feedback on the project. In the meantime, Metro and Caltrans are continuing to advance technical studies as they prepare for the next milestone in the environmental review process—the release of Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS).

Until then, sign-up to stay informed on project updates via future quarterly e-newsletters and other project announcements, including details on opportunities to get involved.

Website: metro.net/405expresslanes

StoryMap: 405expresslanes.info

Some background on the project:

The Metro ExpressLanes debuted on the 110 and 10 freeways in 2012 and 2013 and have proven to be very popular with motorists who want to avoid traffic jams and want more reliable commutes timewise. ExpressLanes allow those meeting occupancy requirements and with a device called a transponder (the rules for the 10 and 110 are here) to travel toll free, while also providing others the option to pay a toll to use the lane. The idea is to provide everyone with a faster, more reliable travel option on these corridors by letting just enough vehicles into the ExpressLanes to take full advantage of their capacity while still preserving free-flow uncongested conditions in the lanes.

The I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes project focuses on alleviating traffic on the I-405 corridor, between I-10 and US 101, which is one of the busiest corridors in the nation. The project is evaluating five alternatives: the first alternative is a no-build, alternatives 2 to 4 will study options with High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes – also known as ExpressLanes – and the last alternative will evaluate High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes – also known as “carpool” lanes. This project has $260 million in funding from Measure M, the local sales tax passed by LA County voters in 2016. Additional funding sources will be explored as the project advances through the project development process. For additional project details, visit the project website and interactive StoryMap tool.

Metro has a plan to make it easier to get around. This project is just one of the several Metro-led efforts for improving mobility and access through the complex and challenging Sepulveda Pass area. Other nearby projects include the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, I-405 Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP), and Traffic Reduction Study, all subject to its own unique planning and environmental process.