Project Page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) English

Project Information

Metro has a plan to make it easier to get around. The I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass is especially challenging and complex, elevating the need to explore various transportation projects in the area. Along with better transit and other improvements, Metro continues to work in coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to evaluate alternatives to convert the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes – or carpool lanes – to dynamically-priced, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, called ExpressLanes, between I-10 and US-101. Select I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project alternatives also include the addition of a new lane in each direction to serve as a second ExpressLane or carpool lane. The proposed build alternatives are intended to encourage carpooling and transit, improve trip reliability, reduce degradation of the carpool lanes and increase person throughput.

I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project - LA Metro

Project Details

Why is the project needed?
The Sepulveda Pass segment of I-405, between US-101 and I-10, provides a vital connection in LA County between the San Fernando Valley, Westside and South Bay communities, and has a current daily traffic volume of 289,000 vehicles. This corridor serves various employment, educational, health, cultural and entertainment centers, and serves as a key link to other significant regional destinations, including the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the nation’s second busiest airport. This segment of I-405 is one of the most congested highways in the U.S., with an average of 56 hours of delay annually per commuter in 2019. Making things worse, the existing vehicle hours of delay experienced in the carpool and general-purpose lanes is projected to increase by 22% through 2050. The congestion on the I-405 Project Corridor also causes motorists to seek alternative routes, including Sepulveda Boulevard and other nearby residential streets and canyons. However, local streets do not provide effective travel route alternatives due to physical constraints, numerous traffic signals, access conflicts and congestion.

Who is leading the project?
Metro is conducting the environmental planning process in coordination with Caltrans, the owner/operator of public highways in California. Caltrans is the lead agency for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In addition, Metro is a funding partner and is responsible for transportation improvements in LA County, including the planning of the future I-105 ExpressLanes and I-10 ExpressLanes Extension, as well as operation of the existing Metro ExpressLanes on the I-10 and I-110.

What are ExpressLanes?
ExpressLanes are designed to manage highway corridors, improve traffic flow and provide motorists with reliable travel options in LA County. ExpressLanes allow those with a FasTrak® Flex transponder who meet occupancy requirements to travel toll-free, while also providing vehicles not meeting the occupancy requirements, including single occupant vehicles, the option to pay a toll to use the lane.

However, use of the I-110 and I-10 Metro ExpressLanes without a FasTrak Flex or registered account is permitted at a reduced violation rate. Tolls for vehicles that don’t qualify for toll-free travel are calculated based on traffic conditions and vary according to the level of congestion; tolls are higher when traffic congestion is heavier and lower when traffic is lighter. The Metro ExpressLanes Program started as a one-year demonstration on I-110 and I-10 to assess the use of congestion pricing to ease traffic on LA County freeways. Currently, Metro continues to operate ExpressLanes on the I-110 and I-10 (east of downtown Los Angeles) and is advancing final design and construction plans for ExpressLanes on the I-105. In addition to proposed ExpressLanes on the I-405, Metro is also evaluating possible ExpressLanes on the I-605 between I-105 and I-10, as well as extending the existing I-10 ExpressLanes to the San Bernardino County line. To learn more, visit the Metro ExpressLanes website.

What are the ExpressLanes minimum occupancy requirements?
The minimum occupancy requirements vary by facility, and a Metro ExpressLanes FasTrak Flex transponder allows you to declare the number of people in the vehicle in order to enable carpool discounts and toll-free trips on the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes. On I-110, vehicles equipped with a FasTrak Flex and two or more occupants (2+) per vehicle can use the Metro ExpressLanes toll-free at all hours. On I-10 the same rules apply for toll-free ExpressLanes access, however, the occupancy requirements are raised to three or more (3+) occupants during peak hours (5am-9am; 4pm-7pm). Use of the I-110 and I-10 Metro ExpressLanes without a FasTrak Flex or registered account is permitted at a reduced violation rate.

How does this benefit carpoolers and transit riders?
Incentives are available to Metro ExpressLanes users that are frequent carpoolers and transit riders, through the Carpool Loyalty (a FasTrak rewards program), and the Transit Rewards Program (a use credits rewards program). The Carpool Loyalty Program automatically enrolls Metro ExpressLanes FasTrak account holders who use the lanes as carpoolers into a monthly drawing for a chance to win toll credits. Frequent transit riders and FasTrak accountholders can also earn a $5 toll credit to use on the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes through the Transit Rewards Program. The Transit Rewards Program is the first of its kind in the transit and toll industry. Furthermore, Metro intends to use net toll revenue to increase transit service in the corridor, as is currently done on the I-10/I-110 ExpressLanes.

What are the proposed alternatives for this project?
The proposed project is currently considering three build alternatives* intended to help manage traffic by improving the utilization of the freeway, encouraging carpooling and transit, improving travel times and trip reliability, increasing person throughput and expanding the ExpressLanes network. In addition to the general improvements described below for each of the build alternatives (alternatives 2, 3, and 5), these would require the construction of retaining walls and sound walls, utility improvements and drainage improvements, as well as toll and communication infrastructure.

*Alternative 4 was eliminated from further consideration in fall 2023. At this stage, no alternative has been selected and no determination has been made to proceed with any of theproposed improvements.

Why consider ExpressLanes as a solution instead of adding more carpool lanes?
Much of the existing I-405 carpool lanes (one lane in each direction) within the project limits are heavily utilized and as a result do not offer trip reliability and improved travel times to carpoolers. To address this, the EIR/EIS is studying the conversion of the existing carpool lane to an ExpressLane, as well as select alternatives that would add a second ExpressLane or carpool lane in each direction. ExpressLanes are being considered to effectively manage demand through dynamic pricing, while also improving trip reliability, travel times and traffic flow in the corridor. ExpressLanes offer another choice for drivers wishing to pay a toll to save time, even when they don’t meet the minimum occupancy requirement. In addition, the ExpressLanes program has the ability to reinvest net toll revenue to improve transit, active transportation, and other street mobility improvements in the corridor.

Project Schedule

What is the current project status?
In summer 2021, the project initiated the first step in the environmental review phase with a public scoping process. Since the completion of scoping, Metro and Caltrans have continued advancing technical studies in preparation for the Draft EIR/EIS release. The scoping process featured a 60-day comment period and three virtual public scoping meetings where project information and proposed alternatives were shared to encourage public feedback. These meetings drew 315 participants and generated 137 comments. Overall, 663 comments were received during the formal scoping comment period. These inputs will assist the project team understanding and addressing stakeholder issues and concerns on the Draft EIR/EIS. Additional details are available in the Scoping Summary Report and Scoping Recap Video Presentation.

Community Engagement

How can local communities and the general public participate in this process?
Metro is leading a stakeholder engagement program to support the project’s environmental planning process. The goal is to build an inclusive vision that balances the diverse needs of corridor stakeholders. Metro is committed to equity, transparency and maximizing public participation, and will provide information to ensure stakeholders are well-informed and able to provide valuable input at key milestones. Members of the public and other interested parties are encouraged to participate in public engagement activities, including, but not limited to, public hearings. A formal comment period will also be provided during the review period of the Draft EIR/EIS. Metro is partnering with local community-based organizations (CBOs) to help improve project awareness, engage stakeholder groups, and increase public participation from underrepresented communities. Engaging with low-income and minority communities and organizations has been and will continue to be a key component of this process to ensure equity concerns are considered and addressed as part of this phase of the project. Please sign up to receive project updates and details on opportunities to get involved.

How can I stay involved?
Metro welcomes your input on the ongoing effort. Please share your thoughts and comments or sign up for regular project updates here. Metro does not share your contact information with third parties.

Funding and Costs

What is the anticipated project cost, and how will the project be funded?
The estimated project cost is being evaluated as part of the environmental review process and will be available in the Draft EIR/EIS. The 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.

Do all drivers have to pay to access the ExpressLanes? How do you pay?
No, ExpressLanes allow those meeting the occupancy requirements for the corridor and motorcycles to travel toll-free (like a carpool lane), while also allowing vehicles not meeting the occupancy requirements (including single occupant vehicles) the option to pay a toll to travel in the lane. Drivers with a qualified Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal pay a discounted toll. A “FasTrak Flex” device allows drivers to declare the number of people (1, 2, 3+) in the vehicle, enabling carpool discounts and toll-free trips on the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes. FasTrak is an electronic-only toll collection system used in California allowing drivers to drive through designated “FasTrak Only” lanes paying tolls without stopping. Drivers with a non-switchable FasTrak transponder will always pay a toll regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. Drivers wanting the option to travel toll-free on the Metro ExpressLanes must upgrade to FasTrak Flex, which can be used on all toll facilities in California. In June 2023, the Metro Board authorized making the Pay As You Go program permanent beginning November 1, 2023. The Pay as You Go "Notice of Toll Evasion" is mailed to the owner of the vehicle (as registered with the DMV) who is responsible for paying the toll amount, plus a $8 processing fee. If not paid by the date on the notice, additional penalties and fees will be applied. This option only applies to drivers that use the Metro ExpressLanes without FasTrak. This policy does not allow qualifying carpoolers to access the ExpressLanes at no-cost since toll-free use is only available to vehicles equipped with a “FasTrak Flex” device. For more information about the Metro Board action please read the Board Report.

How will toll rates in the ExpressLanes be determined?
Tolls for vehicles that don’t qualify to travel for free are calculated based on traffic conditions and vary according to the level of congestion – tolls are higher when traffic congestion is heavier and lower when traffic is lighter within the ExpressLanes.

How will toll evasions be enforced on the proposed ExpressLanes?
In order for Metro ExpressLanes to operate efficiently, enforcement will be multifaceted utilizing California Highway Patrol (CHP) services, technology and facility design. The FasTrak Flex transponder occupancy setting (1, 2, 3+) are visible on beacon lights which help CHP officers perform a visual verification of the vehicle and cite non-compliant drivers. In addition, the Occupancy Detection System is an automated detection system that helps the Metro
ExpressLanes back-office know if the FasTrak Flex switch setting matches the number of people in the vehicle.

Metro will also prepare a Concept of Operations (ConOps) and a Traffic and Revenue (T&R) Study concurrently with the PA/ED phase. The purpose of the ConOps will be to define operational policies, toll collection systems and facility design, while the T&R will estimate toll rates and potential toll revenue for this corridor.

How will the ExpressLanes program address equity concerns?
The Metro ExpressLanes program currently offers low-income LA County residents a one-time $25 credit when they set up their FasTrak account (proof of eligibility required). The $25 credit can be applied to either the transponder deposit or pre-paid toll deposit. With this plan, the $1 monthly account maintenance fee is also waived. To qualify for the Low-Income Assistance Plan, applicants must be a LA County resident and have an annual household income equal to or less than twice the Federal Poverty Level (updated on an annual basis) and provide proof of eligibility. Click here or visit metroexpresslanes.net for additional details. Furthermore, Metro intends to reinvest toll revenue to improve transit in the corridor, as is currently done on the I-10/I-110 ExpressLanes.

What happens to net toll revenue from the ExpressLanes?
State law requires toll revenues generated from the Metro ExpressLanes be reinvested in the corridor from which they are generated. If ExpressLanes are added to the I-405 Sepulveda Pass corridor, Metro would use the toll revenues first to pay for the cost of operating the ExpressLanes, including roadway and equipment maintenance, administration, toll collection, debt service, customer service, California Highway Patrol (CHP) enforcement and Freeway Service Patrol tow trucks. Additional revenues are reinvested in discount programs for Metro ExpressLanes customers through the Low-Income Assistance Plan, Carpool Loyalty and the Transit Rewards Program. Remaining revenues could be reinvested into the local corridor jurisdictions to improve transit service, transportation infrastructure and systems.

Construction Impact

When will this project be constructed?
As part of the environmental review process, Metro will evaluate the cost estimates and construction time frames of all proposed alternatives. If a build alternative is selected, the anticipated construction timeline will be defined in the Draft EIR/EIS. Funding for the project must also be secured before advancing to construction activities. The project currently has partial funding from Measure M and additional funding sources will be explored as the project advances through the project development process.

Is Metro considering a future extension of the proposed Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes to connect with the future I-105 ExpressLanes?
Yes, the entire stretch of the I-405 in LA County is envisioned as part of the Metro ExpressLanes Network and would allow for connections to the existing I-110 ExpressLanes and the future I-105 ExpressLanes. Due to the success of the I-10 and I-110 ExpressLanes, the Metro Board directed staff to prepare the Countywide ExpressLanes Strategic Plan (Plan) that identifies and recommends potential corridors that could benefit from ExpressLanes conversion, which are organized into three tiers of projects comprising a 310-mile ExpressLanes network. The plan identifies a majority of the I-405 corridor limits in LA County for ExpressLanes consideration, including the portion of the corridor being considered by this project (from US-101 to I-10), as well as the remaining southern portion ofI-405 (from I-10 to the LA/Orange County line) as Tier 1 priority projects. As such, the Sepulveda Pass is a potential first phase of the Metro ExpressLanes program envisioned for I-405 in LA County. Separate environmental planning processes are anticipated for the future phases of the I-405ExpressLanes program.

How will traffic flow be managed on the ExpressLanes to minimize congestion issues currently experienced in High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes?
ExpressLanes are dynamically priced to ensure vehicles travel at least 45 miles per hour (as required by federal law), so reliability and time savings are maintained. The I-110/I-10 ExpressLanes tolls rates are updated based on real-time traffic demand on the facility, with prices increasing or decreasing based on the current usage of the ExpressLanes. By using variable pricing to manage travel demand, traffic flow in the ExpressLanes is continuously managed to maintain speed and flow, providing a more reliable option to the heavily congested general purpose and HOV lanes during peak periods.

Property and Right-of-Way

If a build alternative is selected, will any properties adjacent to the I-405 corridor be impacted as part of this project?
The project's goal is to limit improvements to the existing right of way to avoid impacting private properties as much as possible. The need for property acquisition is determined through the environmental planning phase, in compliance with state and federal laws. During this phase, various project improvements and potential property needs are evaluated. For additional details, please refer to the Metro Property Acquisition fact sheet.

Environmental Impact

What is the environmental process for this project? What type of documents are being
prepared?
The project is in the Project Approval/Environmental Document (PA/ED) Phase (environmental planning phase). Metro, in coordination with Caltrans as the CEQA and NEPA lead agency, will prepare an EIR/EIS pursuant to the state and federal laws, respectively. The environmental review phase was initiated with a formal public scoping process, conducted in 2021. During this period, public comments were received on the proposed project alternatives and a range of stakeholder issues. The comments received will help inform the areas that may need to be addressed in the environmental and technical studies being developed in support of the Draft EIR/EIS.

Since the conclusion of the scoping period, Metro and Caltrans have continued advancing technical studies in preparation for the release of the Draft EIR/EIS. This release will be accompanied by an additional comment period and public hearings to solicit public input before making a final determination and selecting a preferred alternative, which will be chosen by Caltrans in consultation with Metro. Metro will also prepare a Concept of Operations (ConOps) and a Traffic and Revenue (T&R) Study concurrently with the PA/ED phase. The purpose of the ConOps will be to define operational policies, toll collection systems and facility design, while the T&R will estimate toll rates and potential toll revenue for this corridor.

What were the results from the scoping process?
During the 60-day scoping comment period (August 3 to October 1, 2021), the project team received over 650 scoping comments from members of the public, agencies, elected officials, neighborhood councils, homeowner associations, businesses, local schools, community-based organizations and Native American tribal groups. A variety of scoping comment submittal options were made available during this period and three public scoping meetings – with 315+ attendees – were also held to receive additional comments and present details on the project and environmental process. Comments covered a variety of topics, including the proposed alternatives, environmental concerns, nearby projects, support for transit, ExpressLanes operations and equity. These scoping comments provide valuable insight into stakeholder issues and concerns, which are considered in the evaluation of the proposed alternatives and in identifying the need for potential other alternatives.

For additional details, view the Scoping Summary Report and watch a brief video presentation recapping the scoping process, including key takeaways from the received comments, project status and next steps.

What types of impacts are being evaluated? How will impacts be addressed?
The EIR/EIS will evaluate potential impacts of the project on the environment and addresses issues consisting of, but not limited to, air quality, noise, visual, traffic and community impacts during and after construction. The EIR/EIS will include a comprehensive description of the project and the proposed alternatives, evaluate the project’s effects on the environment, and inform decision-makers and the public of reasonable avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures. The proposed alternatives will be evaluated through environmental studies, technical studies and design reviews to identify a preferred alternative.

How will Metro manage the construction impacts of this project?
As part of the EIR/EIS, a Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Plan will be developed to outline the steps that will be used to avoid or reduce significant impacts of project construction. Metro will work to minimize impacts on commuters and nearby businesses, residents and property owners, as well as other project stakeholders. Mitigation measures might include setting construction times to reduce specific impacts or shorten the overall duration of certain construction activities, fencing and sound walls around staging areas, locating earth removal locations near major streets and freeways, specifying haul routes, etc. Improved communications, including signage and advertising, are typically employed to help maintain access and encourage ongoing patronage to businesses. In addition, a dedicated Metro Construction Relations representative will conduct proactive and continuous community outreach to keep stakeholders informed.

Who will select the Preferred Alternative?
As the CEQA/NEPA lead agency, Caltrans, in consultation with Metro, will select the preferred alternative. The selection of the preferred alternative will be made between the release of the Draft and Final EIR/EIS. Metro staff will update the Board on the release of the Draft and Final EIR/EIS, as well as on the selection of the preferred alternative.