You’re staring at your phone, probably coffee in hand, wondering if your commute through the Sepulveda Pass is about to become a nightmare. It’s a classic Southern California ritual. Finding out is 405 freeway closed today isn't just a casual search; it’s a survival tactic. Whether you’re heading to LAX, trying to crawl from the Valley to the Westside, or cruising through Orange County, the status of the I-405 changes faster than the weather.
The short answer for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026? The freeway is technically open, but "open" is a relative term in Los Angeles. While we aren't seeing a full "Carmageddon" style total shutdown right now, there are significant lane reductions and ramp closures you need to dodge.
The Sepulveda Pass Pavement Project is Changing Everything
If you’ve noticed more orange cones than usual lately, there’s a reason. Caltrans is currently in the thick of the $143.7 million I-405 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. This isn't a quick patch job. They are replacing massive sections of lanes between Victory Boulevard and Mulholland Drive.
Honestly, the schedule is a lot to keep track of. Caltrans District 7 has planned about 25 of these "extended weekend" lane reductions where the freeway shrinks to just three lanes in each direction. We just came off a major one that ended on January 12th. The next monster 55-hour window is scheduled to start Friday night, January 30th.
So, what about today?
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Since today is Sunday, January 18, we are in a "breather" period between those massive 55-hour weekend squeezes. However, "breather" doesn't mean clear sailing. Crews are still out there doing prep work. You should expect intermittent ramp closures, especially around Sunset Boulevard and Wilshire.
Why the 405 Express Lanes in OC Might Be Dark
If you’re further south in Orange County, the rules change. The 405 Express Lanes—those pricey but tempting lanes between SR-73 and I-605—have their own maintenance rhythm.
Every four weeks, Caltrans District 12 shuts these lanes down completely on Sunday mornings. They usually do this between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. to swap out the plastic channelizers (those bendy pylons people love to hit) and scrub the lanes. Based on the 2026 maintenance cycle, the Express Lanes had a scheduled closure on January 11th. That means today, January 18th, the Express Lanes should be fully operational.
But keep your eyes peeled. If there’s a sudden debris spill or a sensor failure, they’ll flick those overhead signs to "Closed" in a heartbeat.
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Real-Time Troubles: Accidents and SigAlerts
Even when there's no construction, the 405 finds ways to close itself. As of this morning, traffic is moving at typical Sunday speeds, which is to say, it’s fine until it isn't.
SigAlerts are the real enemy today. Historically, the stretch near the Getty Center and the curve at the 101 interchange are hotspots for Sunday morning "fender benders" that can shut down two right lanes for hours. If you see the "CHP Traffic" logs lighting up, it’s usually because of:
- Stalled Vehicles: With the 405's narrow shoulders in the Pass, one stalled Toyota Corolla can back up traffic all the way to Burbank.
- Enforcement Sweeps: Sometimes the CHP runs "round-robins" to clear debris, which momentarily halts all lanes.
- Weather: We've had some misty mornings lately. In SoCal, three drops of rain equals a 40% increase in spin-outs.
How to Outsmart the Closures
Don't just trust your gut. Your gut didn't spend $143 million on a repaving project.
- Check QuickMap: This is the official Caltrans app. It’s slightly clunky, but it’s the only place that shows exactly where the "Cone Zone" starts and ends in real-time.
- The "Waze + Google" Double-Check: Waze is great for seeing where the cops are, but Google Maps often has better data on long-term ramp closures that Waze users haven't reported yet.
- The Sepulveda Side-Step: If the Pass is a parking lot, Sepulveda Boulevard is the obvious backup. Just remember: everyone else has the same idea. If Google says Sepulveda is "Deep Red," you're better off staying on the freeway.
What’s Coming Next Week?
If you’re planning your Monday morning commute, get ready. Starting tomorrow, January 19 (MLK Day), the construction shifts back to the nightly grind. We’re looking at overnight lane reductions starting at 9 p.m. through the Sepulveda Pass.
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They usually try to have everything reopened by 6 a.m., but "bridge work" or "K-rail installation" often runs late. If you’re a 5 a.m. commuter, you’re basically playing Russian Roulette with the lane openings.
Basically, the 405 isn't "closed" today in the sense that it's a ghost town. It's just its usual, unpredictable self. Keep your maps open, keep your cool, and maybe take Topanga Canyon if you’re heading to the coast—though even that has been prone to closures lately due to slope repairs.
Next Steps for Your Drive:
Before you put the car in gear, open the Caltrans QuickMap web tool and filter for "Full Closures" and "Maintenance" in District 7. This will give you the most accurate, up-to-the-minute view of any emergency stalls or debris removals currently blocking lanes in the Sepulveda Pass. If you see a cluster of icons near Skirball Center Drive, take the 101 to the 110 instead.