Latest ExpressLanes Project expected to save commuters up to 50 percent in travel time, reinvest revenues in key corridor mobility/transit projects
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), today celebrated the groundbreaking of the I-105 ExpressLanes, a voter-approved Measure M and Twenty-Eight by ’28 project. It will convert existing High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes into two dynamic ExpressLanes in each direction, aiming to reduce travel times by up to 50 percent. It will also improve reliability for trips to key destinations like Los Angeles International Airport, enhance safety and direct net toll revenues to transit projects in communities along the corridor.
A Vision for 2028 and Beyond
Part of Metro’s Twenty-Eight by ‘28 Initiative, which seeks to complete 28 transportation projects in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the first segment of the I-105 ExpressLanes project is expected to help improve freeway mobility during the Games as well as provide lasting benefits for Angelenos.
The ExpressLanes Solution
ExpressLanes enhance freeway operations and safety by improving traffic flow and reducing stop-and-go conditions. They also help reduce freeway overflow traffic onto nearby city streets, contributing to a smoother and more efficient transportation experience for both local communities and regional travelers.
ExpressLanes rates adjust based on real-time traffic conditions and are designed to achieve average speeds of 45 mph or more. Eligible carpools will continue to ride free, while other motorists will be able to pay a variable toll for faster and more reliable travel. Net toll revenues from ExpressLanes are reinvested into local transportation improvements that support transit, active transportation and infrastructure upgrades.
Since Metro brought ExpressLanes to the I-10 and I-110 freeways, 342 million trips have been recorded and more than 1.6 million FasTrak transponders have been issued. To date, over $186 million in toll revenues have been invested into improved transit service and mobility improvement projects along the I-10 and I-110 corridors.
“The I-105 ExpressLanes represent a major investment in the future of Southeast L.A. County,” said Whittier City Council Member and Metro Board First Vice Chair Fernando Dutra. “ExpressLanes tolls will be reinvested in the communities along the corridor to improve transit options, buses, bike lanes, safety and much more. I’m looking forward to working with cities to make these improvements.”
Connecting the Region
The project spans 16 miles through El Segundo, Hawthorne, Los Angeles, Inglewood, West Athens, Lynwood, Lennox, South Gate, Paramount, Willowbrook, Downey and Norwalk. It will add two ExpressLanes to the I-105 between the I-405 and I-605 freeways in three phases and marks a significant step forward in reimagining how Angelenos travel across some of the county’s most congested corridors.
“Collaboration with our LA Metro partners remains a top priority for Caltrans as we improve lives and communities through transportation. The 105 Express Lanes will provide safer and less congested connections between the Los Angeles International Airport and Norwalk,” said Gloria Roberts, Caltrans District 7 Director. “Also, this project will be an important part of a transit-first 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.”
The first segment between Sepulveda Boulevard to Central Avenue is expected to open in 2028. Construction for the second and third segments from Central Avenue to I-710 and from I-710 to Studebaker Road will begin in Summer 2026 and are anticipated to be completed by 2029.
“ExpressLanes ease traffic, promote carpooling and help Metro and municipal buses go faster,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “They also support dozens of transit and active transportation projects through the proceeds from their tolls – so they’re a great way not only to get where you’re going, but also to support our community and build the transit infrastructure necessary to protect our environment and ease traffic congestion. We can’t wait to deliver the I-105 ExpressLanes to LA County!”
For additional information about the I-105 ExpressLanes Project, please visit metro.net/105expresslanes.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 1 million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.
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