By CalNews360 Staff
Published: August 22, 2026
If you’re planning to drive through Los Angeles’ Sepulveda Pass this weekend, especially on the southbound I-405, you should expect reduced freeway capacity and possible delays.
Caltrans has reduced southbound I-405 to three lanes between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive as part of a major pavement rehabilitation project. The weekend work began at 10 p.m. Friday, August 21, and is scheduled to continue through 5 a.m. Monday, August 24.
The good news for northbound drivers is that northbound I-405 is not subject to lane reductions during this weekend’s work. However, one northbound ramp is closed, so some drivers will still need to adjust their routes.
What Is Happening on the 405 This Weekend?
Caltrans is carrying out another extended weekend phase of its I-405 Sepulveda Pass Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
From Friday night through early Monday morning:
- Southbound I-405 is reduced to three lanes
- The affected section runs between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive
- The Ventura Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-405 is closed
- The northbound I-405 off-ramp to Getty Center Drive is closed
- Northbound I-405 itself is not reduced to fewer lanes during this weekend’s work.
Caltrans warns that schedules and closures can change because of weather or operational conditions.
When Does the Work End?
The current scheduled work period runs:
Friday, August 21 at 10 p.m. → Monday, August 24 at 5 a.m.
That means drivers should plan for the reduced southbound capacity throughout Saturday and Sunday, with the normal configuration scheduled to return after the work is completed Monday morning.
However, motorists should check conditions before traveling because Caltrans says construction schedules and lane configurations can change.
Where Exactly Is Southbound I-405 Reduced?
The three-lane restriction affects southbound traffic between:
Ventura Boulevard → Mulholland Drive
This section takes drivers through the Sepulveda Pass, one of the most important connections between the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles.
The larger rehabilitation project stretches approximately 10.2 miles between Van Nuys and Westwood.
What About Northbound I-405?
There is an important distinction for drivers.
Northbound I-405 is not being reduced to three lanes for this weekend’s work.
However, Caltrans has closed the northbound I-405 off-ramp to Getty Center Drive.
So if Getty Center Drive is part of your planned route, you should check the current ramp status and consider another exit.
Why Is Caltrans Doing This Work?
The lane reductions are part of a much larger $143.7 million pavement rehabilitation project designed to improve the safety and mobility of I-405 and extend the life of the freeway pavement.
The project covers the corridor between Van Nuys and Westwood and includes replacement of sections of two lanes in each direction from Victory Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, along with repairs to other sections of roadway.
Caltrans says the project will ultimately restore approximately 92 lane miles.
It also includes replacement of two overhead sign structures, 98 sign panels, improvements to guardrails and upgrades to curb ramps.
How Much Longer Could Your Drive Take?
Caltrans says it is actively monitoring traffic during construction.
For extended weekend lane reductions, the agency says its goal is to keep construction-related delays to no more than about 30 minutes above normal recurring traffic delays, although actual delays depend on traffic volumes and how many motorists choose alternate routes.
That does not mean every driver will experience a 30-minute delay.
Traffic can vary significantly depending on the time of day, direction of travel, accidents and other incidents.
For that reason, drivers should check conditions shortly before leaving rather than relying solely on a normal travel-time estimate.
Should You Take Another Route?
If your trip does not require the Sepulveda Pass, avoiding the construction zone may be worth considering.
Caltrans is specifically encouraging motorists to seek alternate routes and consider public transportation options during the extended weekend work.
Drivers should also remember that simply switching to a nearby road can move congestion onto surrounding streets.
Before choosing an alternate route, check live traffic conditions rather than automatically assuming another road will be faster.
How to Check the 405 Before You Leave
One of the most useful tools for drivers is Caltrans QuickMap, which provides current highway and closure information.
Caltrans recommends checking QuickMap for the latest conditions because ramps and other temporary closures can change during construction.
As of the latest Caltrans highway report available early Saturday morning, the statewide road-information system was not reporting a general traffic restriction for I-405 in Southern California. That status should not be interpreted as meaning the scheduled construction has been canceled; the project-specific Caltrans notice remains in effect through Monday morning.
This Is Part of a Longer I-405 Construction Project
Drivers should expect additional construction activity beyond this weekend.
Caltrans says the overall project is expected to continue through winter 2027, with some plant-establishment work extending into 2028.
Approximately 25 extended weekend lane closures are planned as part of the project.
These closures generally last about 55 hours, from Friday night through early Monday morning, but they are not full freeway closures. Caltrans says at least two lanes will remain open in each direction during these extended weekend closures, although the number of available lanes can vary between two and three depending on the work.
There will also be shorter overnight full closures at selected times during the project.
What Drivers Should Do This Weekend
If you’re using the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass, the safest approach is to plan ahead.
Before leaving:
- Check Caltrans QuickMap for current conditions.
- Allow additional travel time.
- Expect reduced capacity on southbound I-405.
- Avoid the Ventura Boulevard southbound on-ramp if you normally use it.
- Do not plan to use the northbound I-405 Getty Center Drive off-ramp while it is closed.
- Consider public transportation or another route if practical.
- Slow down and pay attention to changing lane configurations inside the construction zone.
Caltrans also reminds drivers to “Slow for the Cone Zone” and remain alert around highway workers.
What Happens Next?
The current weekend restriction is scheduled to end at 5 a.m. Monday, August 24.
But this is only one phase of the larger I-405 rehabilitation project. Additional overnight and extended weekend work is expected as crews continue repairing the freeway.
Because construction schedules can change, drivers who regularly use the Sepulveda Pass should consider signing up for Caltrans’ I-405 project notifications, which provide weekly construction schedules and updates.
The Bottom Line
Southbound I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass is reduced to three lanes this weekend, from Ventura Boulevard to Mulholland Drive.
The work is scheduled to continue until 5 a.m. Monday, August 24, with the Ventura Boulevard southbound on-ramp closed and the northbound Getty Center Drive off-ramp also closed.
If you’re driving between the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles this weekend, check traffic conditions before leaving and give yourself extra time.
The restrictions are part of a $143.7 million pavement rehabilitation project that will continue for months, so this won’t be the last weekend when Los Angeles drivers encounter construction through the Sepulveda Pass.
Sources: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); Caltrans District 7; California Highway Information.
Image note: The image used with this article is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual traffic conditions, construction activity, people or roadway configuration at the time of publication.
Tags: Los Angeles Traffic, I-405, 405 Freeway, Sepulveda Pass, California Traffic, Caltrans, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley
