The roads around LAX are getting a much needed makeover. In addition to a resurfacing project scheduled for Sepulveda Boulevard this week, Metro is implementing full and partial closures of the 405 Freeway starting on July 31st.
Fifteen nights of full and partial closures for the 405 freeway have been scheduled as part of the plan to erect a bridge for the Crenshaw/LAX Line light rail project. The closures are needed for the safe removal of the wood framing crews used to build the 800-foot-long bridge which spans the 405, Hyde Park Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard.
Beginning on July 31st, full and partial directional closures will be from 10 pm to 5 am Monday to Friday. The freeway will remain fully open during the weekend.
Here's a schedule for the closures if you're planning on heading for LAX in the next few days:
- July 31 to Aug. 4. The northbound lanes will be completely closed between Century and La Tijera boulevards.
- Aug. 7 to Aug. 11. Partial closure of the north and south bound High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and the 1 and 2 lanes.
- Aug. 14 to Aug. 18. The southbound lanes will be fully closed between the La Cienega off-ramp and La Tijera on-ramp.
Detours:
- If traveling southbound, exit the 405 at the Florence/Manchester off-ramp, proceed south on La Cienega and return to freeway via the Olive Street on-ramp.
- Motorists heading to Los Angeles International Airport can remain on La Cienega
- to access Century Boulevard or re-enter the 405 and use the westbound 105 and Sepulveda Boulevard to reach LAX.
- If traveling northbound, exit at the La Cienega/Manchester off-ramp, turn left (west) on Manchester, turn right (north) on La Tijera and continue to the northbound 405 on-ramp.
Metro warns that the closure dates are tentative and subject to change based on construction progress and weather conditions. The bridge is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
LAX is encouraging passengers to arrive early before boarding flights - at least two hours ahead of departure for domestic flights and three hours for international departures.