Traffic nightmare on LA’s 405 freeway as weekend closures planned

Drivers may want to plan ahead before hitting one of Los Angeles’ busiest freeways.

Major lane closures are scheduled along the Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass starting Friday as construction crews continue a large pavement repair project, transportation officials said.

The 405 freeway will see closures beginning Friday. Getty Images

According to the California Department of Transportation, a stretch of the freeway will be reduced to three lanes in each direction during an extended weekend construction period.

The closures will run from 10 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, and drivers are strongly encouraged to consider alternate routes or public transportation.

The construction zone will affect a portion of the 405 between the communities of Westwood and Van Nuys.

What drivers can expect

Northbound I-405

• Reduced to three lanes between just south of the Getty Center Drive off-ramp and just north of Bel Air Crest Road
• Getty Center Drive on- and off-ramps closed

Southbound I-405

• Reduced to three lanes between the Skirball Center Drive/Mulholland Drive on-ramp and the Getty Center Drive on-ramp

Transportation officials said the closures are part of the I-405 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, a $143.7 million effort aimed at improving safety, traffic flow and extending the life of the freeway.

The stretch of freeway will be reduced to three lanes in each direction. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Officials said extended weekend lane reductions like this will happen about every two weeks along different parts of the 405 during the project.

Suggested alternate routes

Drivers trying to reach the freeway can use alternate streets:

• Northbound 405: Take Sepulveda Boulevard north and connect to the freeway using Skirball Center Drive.
• Southbound 405: Take Sepulveda Boulevard south, then use Church Lane to reach the Sunset Boulevard on-ramp.

Residents living near the construction area may notice temporary noise, vibrations and dust while crews complete the work.

Drivers can check real-time traffic updates and closures using the Caltrans QuickMap website.

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