A reliable time-saving option for traveling through one of the nation’s busiest stretches of highway, the 405 Express Lanes helps tens of thousands of drivers every day speed up their commutes and spend more time with friends and family.
In its first four months of operation, the 405 Express Lanes recorded 4.8 million trips, consistent with the revenue projections for the lanes that are paid for by the tolls collected.
The 405 Express Lanes opened Dec. 1, 2023, as part of a $2.1 billion improvement project that also included a regular lane in each direction on I-405 between Costa Mesa and the border with Los Angeles County. The project also included 18 new bridges, on- and off-ramps and new sidewalks and bike lanes, improving access to and from communities neighboring the 405.
“It’s fantastic to see that so many people have discovered the convenience of the new 405 Express Lanes so that they can more easily explore all that makes Orange County such a special place to live and spend more quality time with children, grandparents or other loved ones,” said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen.
Through the end of March, more than 6,000 405 Express Lanes accounts were opened, with an average of 200 accounts added weekly.
Following the opening on the first day of December 2023, use of the 405 Express Lanes grew sharply and then slowed during the holiday period. Revenue from tolls collected and fees grew to $1.2 million by the end of December, and March proved to be the highest revenue month with $2.5 million collected. The toll revenue will pay for the cost of building the lanes without using taxpayer money.
Single-occupant vehicles provided the majority of transactions and the heaviest traveled section of the 405 Express Lanes is between I-605 and SR-22. As the 405 Express Lanes evolve, OCTA will routinely monitor usage and adjust operations as necessary to help traffic flow freely and meet the needs of travelers across the region. For more information or to sign up for an account, visit www.405ExpressLanes.com.