$115M construction project on the 405 Freeway to cause weekend traffic chaos for the next 5 years

Drivers navigating Southern California’s busiest freeway are in for years of headaches.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) just dropped a bombshell multi-asset infrastructure project on Interstate 405 that will bring a marathon stretch of lane closures, detours and gridlock lasting all the way until 2031.

The $115.2 million mega-project on the notoriously choked 405 Freeway could turn weekend rides into a bumper-to-bumper nightmare for the next five years, starting July 27, 2026.

The traffic carnage will stretch along a crucial stretch from the Orange County line all the way to the I-110 interchange, Caltrans told The California Post.

There are also plans for revamped landscaping between Lakewood and Long Beach boulevards, according to project documents reviewed by The Post.

The multi-year project focuses on preserving aging infrastructure, upgrading safety and modernizing surrounding streets. Over 118 lane miles of concrete road and 96,000 square feet of bridge surfaces will be fully repaved and restored, alongside 800 feet of replaced underground drainage culverts. 

Caltrans is installing nearly 57,000 feet of upgraded guardrails, 11 crash cushions, and brighter lighting paired with 465 new sign panels across 38 rehabilitated overhead frames. 

Tech and traffic management are also getting a big boost with 15 new CCTV cameras, 1.5 miles of fiber-optic cables, 34 ramp meters, five traffic-counting census stations and three electronic message signs. The project would also add green-painted bike lanes at ramps along with 95 ADA-compliant curb ramps for pedestrians, the transport department said.

The construction crews will work on beautification and environmental upgrades in addition to landscaping along the corridor between Lakewood and Long Beach boulevards.

Caltrans said major work will be completed over weekends and off-peak lane reductions to cause minimal hindrance, though drivers won’t be able to completely avoid the traffic mayhem.

In addition to commuters, nearby communities should also prepare for construction, as those living near the I-405 corridor may have to cover their ears because of increased noise and sneeze through dust.

Caltrans officials warn that the construction circus could shift its schedule at a moment’s notice depending on weather or operational hiccups. Drivers can check current road conditions, active lane closures and detours through the Caltrans QuickMap tool at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

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