Metro and Caltrans officials broke ground Friday on an express lane project for the Glenn Anderson (105) Freeway stretching from El Segundo to Norwalk.
The project spans 16 miles and will add two ExpressLanes to the 105 Freeway between the San Diego (405) Freeway and San Gabriel River (605) Freeway in three phases. Metro expects the new lanes to reduce travel times by up to 50%, and improve reliability for trips to key destinations such as Los Angeles International Airport.
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"ExpressLanes ease traffic, promote carpooling and help Metro and municipal buses go faster," Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said in a statement. "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."
The first segment between Sepulveda Boulevard and Central Avenue is expected to open in 2028. Construction on the second and third segments from Central Avenue to the Long Beach (710) Freeway and from the 710 Freeway to Studebaker Road will begin in the summer of 2026, and are anticipated to be completed by 2029.
"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," Gloria Roberts, Caltrans District 7 director, said in a statement. "Also, this project will be an important part of a transit-first 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles."
Existing ExpressLanes on the 10 and Harbor (110) freeways have seen more than 342 million trips recorded. More than 1.6 million FasTrak fees have been issued, with about $186 million in toll revenues generated for improvement projects along those corridors, according to Metro.
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, according to the transit agency.
"The I-105 ExpressLanes represent a major investment in the future of Southeast L.A. County," Whittier City Councilman and Metro Board First Vice Chair Fernando Dutra said in a statement. "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."
The project is part of Metro's Twenty-Eight by '28 Initiative, which aims to complete 28 transportation projects ahead of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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