Benefits Harder to Recognize as Costs to Widen the I-405 Rise

Was the I-405 widening project worth it for Los Angeles? Depends on whom you ask.

2 minute read

December 22, 2016, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


405 Traffic

Bart Everett / Shutterstock

Adam Nagourney performs a post-mortem of sorts on the widening of the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, which hasn't been able to escape the news as costs continue to skyrocket (the most recent spate of unexpected expenses puts the cost of the project up to $1.6 billion) and benefits to drivers have been scant or nonexistent.

The question examined by Nagourney on behalf of many in the state and region: Was it worth it?

The data tell a distressing story about the project's effect: "Peak afternoon traffic time has indeed decreased to five hours from seven hours’ duration (yes, you read that right) and overall traffic capacity has increased. But congestion is as bad — even worse — during the busiest rush hours of 4:30 to 6:30 p.m." That dose of induced demand is verified by a study undertaken by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).

Some in positions of power, like the current head of Metro, Philip Washington, say the project delivered benefits in capacity and safety. Critics point out that news of the project's continued cost overruns was delayed to the political benefit of Measure M—a sales tax approved by voters in November.

If there's one thing that can assuage the guilt of Los Angeles political leaders and voters who might regret the project, it's that the 405 is not the only example of a major highway project failing to deliver the desired congestion relief. An expansion of the I-10 Katy Freeway in Houston also induced demand to the detriment of travel times at costs involving the word billion.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business