Advertisement

LAX construction was on hold for the holidays. Now it resumes, with new road closures, shuttle route changes

Diners at the new restaurant terrace at LAX's Terminal 6. Renovations at the terminal rolled out in October.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Share via

Now that the holidays are over, Los Angeles International Airport can get back to normal, but what does that mean for a facility deep in the midst of a $14-billion modernization project?

It means that the new year brings new roadway obstacles and changes that could cause you or your passengers to miss a flight. LAX, recovering from an estimated 4.3 million holiday travelers between mid-December and Tuesday, will resume work on construction projects Wednesday.

Here’s what you can expect if you are traveling to the airport this month.

1. Terminal 1

Upgrading the terminal that houses Southwest Airlines means that part of the upper level (departures) road lanes are closed through March, a news release says. Further, the entire lane closes between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. weeknights too.

Advertisement

This may cause a big backup because it’s the first terminal as you enter LAX. The fix: Use the lower level (arrivals) to drop off passengers who can then take an escalator or elevator up to the ticket counters and gates.

The pedestrian bridge connecting Parking Structure 1 with the terminal is closed too; there are signs to direct you how to get to the terminal.

2. Parking Structure 3

Expect lane closures most weekdays from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lower level (arrivals) adjacent to the parking structure for landscaping. You don’t have to avoid this area at all times, but know that it could occasionally get backed up.

Advertisement

3. Shuttle changes

In an effort to ease traffic, LAX plans to assign shuttles and buses to single levels. It will limit hotel shuttles to lower level roads only, and private parking shuttles as well as Lot C buses to upper level roads. This is scheduled to start Jan. 23.

4. Upcoming terminal changes

An automated screening lane is coming to security checkpoints at Terminal 4. And Terminals 7-8, which house United Airlines, now feature five automated security lanes aimed at getting passengers through checkpoints quicker.

Heads up for American Airlines travelers: The carrier will relocate some gates at Terminal 6 (which recently rolled out a snazzy makeover with a Sunset Boulevard theme) to Terminal 5 at the end of January.

Advertisement

What would really cut traffic inside the airport’s central terminal would be a train that would take passengers to and from car-rental kiosks, public transit, etc. It’s coming — but not until 2023, at the earliest.

To stay on top of traffic, follow LAX on Twitter (@flyLAXAirport) and Facebook.

ALSO

A look at the L.A.-themed makeover at LAX’s Terminal 6

For 2017, a daily California bucket list will take you to the hidden, the hilarious, the history of the Golden State

Will 2017 will be the year of magical travel? With low airfares, a boffo new concept in hotels and bargains, signs point to yes

Advertisement

She set off to visit all 59 national parks, from Maine to Pago Pago

mary.forgione@latimes.com

@maryforgione

Advertisement