STUDY SHOWS LAX IS NOT KEY CAUSE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC DELAYS ALONG 405 FREEWAY NEAR AIRPORT
Over 90% of Traffic Volume Along San Diego Freeway During Morning and Evening Commute Times Not Related to Airport Operations
(Los Angeles, California -- May 31, 2001) Contrary to many motorists’ long-held beliefs, a study sponsored by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) reveals that only a small percentage of traffic congestion along a busy section of the San Diego Freeway near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can be linked to airport operations during peak commuter hours.
An analysis of the volume and types of traffic on the San Diego Freeway (I-405) during morning and evening drive times (7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., respectively) conducted as part of the proposed LAX Master Plan concludes that LAX-related traffic contributes only 3 percent and 9.7 percent. So it is not the major cause of congestion during peak hours, the study showed. Nor do peak surface traffic commuter hours coincide with the peak period for air traffic at LAX, which is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"For years, many people have automatically linked the activities at LAX with delays on the San Diego Freeway during rush hour, so it is probably surprising to learn that the facts tell us otherwise," said John Agoglia, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "All the same, to address the urgent problem of overcrowding at LAX, Los Angeles World Airports will continue to strive to reduce its share of airport-related traffic with commuter ride sharing and other programs to encourage mass transportation and reduce congestion for all drivers."
The comprehensive analysis of ground transportation leading to, from and around LAX was conducted as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Study/Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR) on the LAX Master Plan to modernize Los Angeles International Airport. The plan is currently before the public for comment through July 25.
While preparing the LAX Master Plan, analysts gathered the following data in regard to airport-related traffic volume as a percentage of the total traffic on the San Diego Freeway:
LAX-RELATED TRAFFIC ON THE SAN DIEGO (I-405) FREEWAY
| Freeway Section | AM Peak Hour | PM Peak Hour |
| North of Arbor Vitae | 5.8% | 4.9% |
| South of Century Boulevard | 3.0% | 3.2% |
| South of 120thStreet | 8.9% | 9.7% |
During the peak period of LAX flights, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the percentage of airport-related surface traffic is greater. However, since the overall volume of traffic on the freeway is far less than during morning and evening commute hours, the freeway can accommodate this additional airport-related traffic without significantly impacting the flow of traffic during these hours, the study revealed.
Nevertheless, LAWA has instituted many programs to improve ground transportation, ease traffic congestion and improve safety at LAX. Those efforts include expanding the popular Van Nuys FlyAway park-and-ride shuttle service, employee carpooling, Sepulveda Boulevard tunnel and roadway improvements and installation of a high technology Traffic Operations Center that uses electronic monitoring equipment to smooth traffic flow in the Central Terminal Area (CTA).
Many more extensive programs to improve traffic flow form the major elements of the LAX Master Plan and address freeway congestion relief and surface street congestion relief. Among the improvements will be:
- A new four-lane LAX Expressway near Howard Hughes Parkway that will draw traffic off the San Diego Freeway and connect directly with a new Ring Road that will be built around the perimeter of the airfield;
- Expansion of the FlyAway program to additional areas in the region with remote baggage check-in capabilities;
- New West Terminal complex with traffic access that will disperse traffic by providing an alternate form of entry into the airport other than the existing CTA; and
- Extension of the Green Line directly into the airport.
The goals of the LAX Master Plan are to:
- Stress safety and security as LAWA’s highest priority.
- Address the urgent problems of traffic congestion and overcrowding.
- Accommodate only LAWA’s responsible share of air traffic growth as part of a regional solution to the area’s need for expanded air traffic capacity.
- Involve local communities in preserving the quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods.
More information on LAX’s existing ground transportation conditions, and traffic mitigation measures proposed in the LAX Master Plan draft EIS/EIR, is available at dozens of local and regional libraries and other locations and on the Internet at www.laxmasterplan.org
