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The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has begun a 30-day public comment scoping process for the I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project to gather public input as the agency begins the environmental review process for the project. The scoping period runs from August 3 through September 1, 2021.
Managing traffic on the I-405 Freeway through the Sepulveda Pass is especially challenging and complex and Metro has several ongoing projects in this area, including a planned rail or monorail line and other improvements. For the ExpressLanes project, Metro is working with Caltrans to evaluate converting the existing HOV lanes between I-10 and U.S. 101 to dynamically-priced, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, called ExpressLanes, in both directions. The I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project, if it goes forward, would include a new overhead tolling system and signage on adjacent portions of the I-405 corridor.
The five alternatives being studied are intended to reduce congestion, encourage carpooling and transit, improve trip reliability and capacity in the carpool lanes, and use technology to help manage traffic. The five alternatives are:
- Alternative 1: No-Build Alternative (Existing Conditions)
- Alternative 2: Convert Existing HOV lane in both directions to one ExpressLane with standard Lane and shoulder widths
- Alternative 3: Convert Existing HOV Lane to two ExpressLanes with non-standard lane/shoulder widths
- Alternative 4: Convert Existing HOV Lane to two ExpressLanes with standard lane and shoulder widths
- Alternative 5: Add an Additional HOV Lane with non-standard lane and shoulder widths
The goal of the project is to limit any improvements to the freeway’s existing right-of-way to avoid impacts to private properties.
The project cost estimate will be evaluated as part of the environmental review process and will be available in the project’s future Draft EIR/EIS. The project has $260 million in funding available from sources including Measure M, the local sales tax passed by L.A. County voters in 2016. Additional funding sources will be explored. If Metro decides to build the project, completion is estimated in 2028.
The public can view a video on the 405 Sepulveda Pass Expresslanes Project at:
Project Overview Video Link: https://youtu.be/7oBMWjJ3bf8
The intent of the scoping process is to gather public input on the purpose and need for the project, the proposed alternatives, environmental issues, local projects that may be proposed in the study area, and the community participation approach.
There are several ways the public can submit comments during the 30-day scoping period. Those include using the online comment form: 405EXPcomments.com, by mail to: Metro, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, via email: 405expresslanes@metro.net, by calling the 405 Expresslanes hotline at 213.922.4860 or through a series of virtual Zoom meetings listed below.
Saturday, August 14, 2021, 10 a.m. to Noon
ID: 948 4124 4717
Passcode: 807271
Call-in: 213-338-8477
Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 6 p.m. to 8pm
ID: 926 0660 7560
Passcode: 114859
Call-in: 213-338-8477
Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ID: 964 9534 8721
Passcode: 059906
Call-in: 213-338-8477
The scoping comments submitted will help inform the issues that may need to be addressed by the environmental and technical studies being developed in support of the Draft EIR/EIS, anticipated for public release in Fall 2022. The release of the Draft EIR/EIS will include a comment period and public hearings to solicit public input.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is currently providing lifeline service for essential trips and frontline workers. Metro continues building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan.
Metro has proudly pledged to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Health and Safety Commitment Program to help ensure the safe return of transit riders as the U.S. recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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