The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) opened the 405 Express Lanes in December 2023 as part of the I-405 Improvement Project, a broader effort in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) designed to ease congestion and prepare for regional growth. In addition to the tolled segment built in the center of the project stretching from the Los Angeles County line to Costa Mesa, the I-405 Improvement Project included one new general-purpose lane in each direction, along with upgrades to bridges and surrounding local streets.

Since then, public demand for the 405 Express Lanes has exceeded expectations. In the first full fiscal year from 2024 to 2025, there were 68 million transactions, the equivalent of more than 17.4 million trips. Thursdays were the busiest day of the week. Total gross potential toll revenue exceeded $43 million, with 22,143 total active accounts.

Drivers in Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine and Long Beach took the most express lanes trips, demonstrating widespread regional adoption.

During peak weekday hours, northbound drivers saved up to 22 minutes, and weekend users gained up to 24 minutes compared to pre-project conditions. Perhaps most significantly, weekday evening northbound commutes improved by 60%, dropping from 37.2 minutes to just 14.8 minutes. That’s more than 20 minutes reclaimed on each trip.

The benefits extend beyond the express lanes. Travelers in the general-purpose lanes have also experienced notable improvements: Northbound weekday PM commutes were reduced by up to 12 minutes, and weekend travel times improved by up to 17 minutes.

These results confirm the project’s broader success in reducing congestion and in enhancing quality of life. Whether the result is more time with family, fewer frustrating delays, or arriving on schedule, the 405 Express Lanes helps Orange County commuters experience more life on time.

In addition to providing faster trips, improving regional flow, and empowering more flexible travel, they help to build a more connected, efficient, and livable Orange County.

In the coming months, OCTA will continue to work with Caltrans and cities along I-405 to complete remaining items such as landscaping, drainage, maintenance, roadway, and electrical elements.

As these final touches are completed, motorists stand ready to fully realize the long- term benefits of this landmark transportation project.