$6 Billion Freeway Widening on the Table in Southern California

Planning for a proposal to expand truck and vehicle capacity on the I-710 Freeway in Southern California has reached a critical juncture in the process.

1 minute read

February 16, 2018, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Staff members of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently completed a report that supports a plan to widen the 710 Freeway near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach—a critical corridor of freight traffic that drives the regional and national economies.

"In a report to the agency's board of directors, Metro staff urged support for a massive, $6-billion proposal that would add a lane in each direction along the 710 between Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach and the 60 Freeway in East Los Angeles," reports Laura J. Nelson. "The price tag is one of the largest for a freeway widening project in county history."

The plan calls for changes to all 24 major streets that cross the 710 as well as changes to three freeway interchanges. "A new, separated lane would allow truckers to bypass commuter traffic near the 405," adds Nelson.

The plan has sparked a strong reaction among neighborhood activists along the route, who say the plan would exacerbate pollution and displace residents.

For a scathing critique of the project, see coverage from January 2016 by Brian Addison. Coverage this week by Joe Linton offers a platform to the project's opponents. For institutional coverage, see an article by Steve Hymon and the I-710 Corridor Project website.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Front of White House with stormy sky above.

How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning

An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.

January 19, 2025 - Planetizen

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Destroyed Altadena Community Church facade after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California.

UCLA Experts Offer Critical Support for LA Wildfire Response and Recovery

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation offers expert guidance on LA wildfire response and recovery, addressing critical issues like water safety, air quality, equitable rebuilding, and climate adaptation to promote resilience and sustainability.

January 20 - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Aerial view of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah with snow-capped mountains in background.

Salt Lake City to Get Five New Bus Lines

The service improvements come after a year of strong ridership growth.

January 20 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Close-up of person wearing Nike tennis shoe on Trinity Metro bike share e-bike.

Fort Worth Relaunches Bike Share Network

The system, operated by Lyft, is made up of primarily e-bikes.

January 20 - NBC DFW