LAX Wins $289 Million Federal Grant for Airport Interchange Play

The federal government has just awarded a $289 million grant to LAX, which is building a complicated new interchange at the airport entrance.

The federal money will pay about 80 percent of the cost of the $323 million project, which will dramatically change the way Malibu traffic comes and goes from the airport. Construction has just started; it is supposed to be finished in four years.

Traffic entering and leaving the airport via Sepulveda Boulevard will be handled by new freeway bridges that loop around the buildings several blocks to the east of the airport. The 96th Street backdoor entrance to the airport central terminal area will be demolished. Only two ways on or out — via Century Boulevard or from Sepulveda via the new overhead loops.

Construction has already started, as crews are building a pedestrian overpass above Sepulveda Boulevard to finally provide a safe way to walk into the airport.