Los Angeles is in the middle of a major wave of transportation and infrastructure projects. But while these projects aim to make the city easier to navigate in the near future, they often come with a few short-term headaches for Angelenos, especially when construction affects some of the busiest roads in the region.
Drivers who rely on the 405 Freeway should prepare for temporary disruptions this month, as Caltrans is planning extended lane reductions along one of California’s most heavily traveled highways. The southbound I-405 will be reduced to three lanes through the Sepulveda Pass while crews continue work on a major pavement rehabilitation project.
The closures will affect the stretch between Van Nuys and Westwood, an area where traffic congestion is already a daily challenge for commuters. While the work will not impact northbound lanes, drivers heading south should expect delays and consider alternate routes or public transportation options when possible.
What to know about the upcoming 405 closures
The lane reductions and ramp closures will take place during two weekends in August:
- Friday, August 7 at 10 PM to Monday, August 10 at 5 AM
- Friday, August 21 at 10 PM to Monday, August 24 at 5 AM
During both closure periods, drivers should expect the following impacts:
- 🚧 Southbound I-405 will be reduced to three lanes between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive.
- 🚫 The Ventura Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-405 will be closed.
- 🚫 The Valley Vista Boulevard/Sepulveda Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-405 will be closed.
- 🚫 The northbound I-405 off-ramp to Getty Center Drive will be closed.
- 🚫 The northbound U.S. 101 connector to southbound I-405 will be closed.
- 🚫 The southbound U.S. 101 connector to southbound I-405 will be closed.
Drivers coming from U.S. 101 will also need to follow detours. Traffic from northbound U.S. 101 will exit at Sepulveda Boulevard, continue south, and use the Skirball Center Drive/Sepulveda Boulevard on-ramp to access southbound I-405. Those traveling from southbound U.S. 101 will exit at Van Nuys Boulevard, continue along Ventura Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard, then reconnect at the Skirball Center Drive on-ramp.
The work is part of a $143.7 million I-405 Pavement Rehabilitation Project aimed at improving safety, mobility, and pavement conditions along the Sepulveda Pass. Caltrans notes that schedules may change due to weather or operational needs, so drivers should check current conditions before heading out.
