Interstate 105: The Century Freeway Chronicle
An in-depth exploration of Southern California's vital east-west artery, from its complex origins to its modern role.
Explore the Route Delve into HistoryDive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Route Description
Geographic Span
Interstate 105 (I-105), commonly known as the Century Freeway and officially the Glenn Anderson Freeway, is a significant east-west auxiliary Interstate Highway in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California. It extends from State Route 1 (SR 1) near El Segundo and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) eastward to Studebaker Road in the City of Norwalk.
Parallel Pathways
The freeway largely parallels Imperial Highway and is situated one mile south of Century Boulevard, from which it derives its original name. Century Boulevard itself is named for its position corresponding to 100th Street in the Los Angeles grid system.
Termini and Connections
Its western terminus is at Sepulveda Boulevard (SR 1) near LAX. While the state legal definition ends at I-605 in Norwalk, the freeway's HOV lanes extend slightly further east to an at-grade intersection with Studebaker Road. Notably, I-105 does not directly intersect its parent route, I-5, but connects to auxiliary routes of I-5 that do intersect I-5, namely I-405 and I-605.
History & Development
Early Planning and Delays
I-105 was conceived as part of a 1960s Caltrans master plan for Southern California's freeway system but faced significant delays. Its right-of-way appeared on plans as early as 1947, but it wasn't officially named the "Century Freeway" until 1956 and was initially designated Route 42. The current route was added to the Interstate system in 1968.
Community Opposition and Legal Battles
Community opposition, particularly from predominantly African-American neighborhoods impacted by planned demolitions, led to route modifications and legal challenges. The landmark lawsuit Keith v. Volpe (1972) cited civil rights and environmental law violations. Judge Harry Pregerson's involvement was pivotal, leading to a consent decree that mandated design changes, including a transitway (now the Metro C Line), below-grade construction in some areas, and housing replacement programs.
Construction Challenges
Construction, which began in the 1980s, encountered issues such as groundwater deposits and below-grade trenching, leading to structural problems like buckling and cracking. An elaborate pumping system was installed to manage water issues along the eastern sections.
Century Freeway Housing Program
A unique outcome of the Keith v. Volpe decree was the Century Freeway Housing Program. This initiative, managed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, aimed to replace housing that was demolished for the freeway's construction, addressing community displacement.
Cultural Landmarks
The freeway's path led to the demolition of homes significant to musical history, including the childhood residences of the Wilson brothers of The Beach Boys and the Carpenter siblings. The site of the Wilson home is now marked by the Beach Boys Historic Landmark.
Key Features & Integration
Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange
This complex, multi-level interchange connects I-105 with the Harbor Freeway (I-110). It is named in honor of Judge Harry Pregerson, who played a crucial role in overseeing the freeway's legal challenges and ensuring community benefits were included in its development.
Metro C Line Integration
A defining characteristic of I-105 is the Los Angeles Metro Rail C Line (formerly the Green Line), which runs in the median of nearly the entire freeway's length. The C Line's eastern terminus is at Norwalk station, adjacent to the I-105/I-605 interchange. This integration highlights a forward-thinking approach to urban transit planning.
Filming Location
Prior to its opening, the undeveloped freeway corridor served as a unique filming location for the 1994 action film Speed, showcasing the scale and potential of the new infrastructure.
Exit List
The following table details the major exits and connections along Interstate 105. Mileage is approximate and based on Caltrans data.
| Location | mi | km | Exit | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Segundo / Los Angeles | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1A | Imperial Highway west | Continuation beyond western terminus; posted at SR 1 interchange |
| 0.05 | 0.080 | California Street | At-grade intersection | ||
| West end of freeway | |||||
| 0.50 | 0.80 | 1 | Imperial Highway east | Signed western terminus | |
| El Segundo / Los Angeles | 0.50 | 0.80 | 1B | SR 1 south (Sepulveda Blvd) | Westbound signage |
| 0.50 | 0.80 | 1C | SR 1 north (Sepulveda Blvd) – LAX Airport | Westbound signage | |
| 0.99 | 1.59 | 1D | Nash St / LAX Airport Alt. Exit | Westbound exit & eastbound entrance | |
| 2.01 | 3.23 | 2A | La Cienega Blvd / Aviation Blvd | Westbound exit & eastbound entrance | |
| Hawthorne / Lennox / Inglewood | 2.01–2.11 | 3.23–3.40 | 2B | I-405 (San Diego Fwy) – Santa Monica, Long Beach | Pregerson Interchange; I-405 north exit 45A, south exit 45 |
| 3.32 | 5.34 | 3 | Hawthorne Blvd / Prairie Ave | Hawthorne Blvd not signed eastbound | |
| Hawthorne | 4.71 | 7.58 | 5 | Crenshaw Blvd | |
| Los Angeles / West Athens | 6.77 | 10.90 | 7A | Vermont Ave | |
| 7.39 | 11.89 | 7B | I-110 (Harbor Fwy) – Los Angeles, San Pedro | Pregerson Interchange; I-110 north exits 14A-B, south exit 14A | |
| 7.39 | 11.89 | — | I-110 Express Lanes north | Two-lane left exit; left tolled, right HOV free | |
| Los Angeles / Willowbrook | 8.90 | 14.32 | 9 | Central Ave | |
| Willowbrook | 9.78 | 15.74 | 10 | Wilmington Ave | |
| Lynwood | 11.51 | 18.52 | 12 | I-710 (Long Beach Fwy) – Pasadena, Long Beach | I-710 north exits 11A-B, south exit 11A |
| Paramount | 13.47 | 21.68 | 13 | I-605 (San Gabriel River Fwy) – Pasadena, Long Beach | Eastern terminus for non-HOV traffic; I-605 exit 9B |
| 14.13 | 22.74 | 14 | Garfield Ave | Eastbound exit & westbound entrance | |
| Paramount | 14.65 | 23.58 | 15 | Paramount Blvd | Westbound exit & eastbound entrance |
| 15.67 | 25.22 | 16 | SR 19 (Lakewood Blvd) | ||
| Norwalk | 17.82 | 28.68 | 18A | I-605 south (San Gabriel River Fwy) | Includes direct exit to Rosecrans Ave |
| 17.82 | 28.68 | 18B | I-605 north (San Gabriel River Fwy) | ||
| Norwalk | 17.91 | 29.21 | ★ | Hoxie Ave – Norwalk Metro Station | HOV exits only; eastbound entrance from Hoxie Ave |
| Norwalk | 18.15 | 29.21 | ★ | Studebaker Rd | Eastern terminus of I-105 HOV lanes; at-grade intersection |
|
|||||
Future Developments
Express Lanes Conversion
Plans are underway to convert the existing High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-105 into High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. This initiative aims to provide more flexible transportation options and manage traffic flow more effectively. The project is being implemented in segments, with ongoing design and engineering phases for various sections.
See Also
Related Topics
Explore related topics for a broader understanding of California's transportation network and infrastructure:
- California Roads Portal
- Greater Los Angeles Portal
- Auxiliary Interstate Highways
- California Freeway and Expressway System
- Metro C Line
External Resources
Official & Informational Links
Access further information and real-time data related to Interstate 105:
- Caltrans: I-105 highway conditions
- Caltrans Traffic Conditions Map
- California Highway Patrol Traffic Incidents
- California @ AARoads.com - Interstate 105
- California Highways: I-105
- Interstate 105 @ Asphaltplanet.ca
- Wikimedia Commons: Interstate 105 (California) Media
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Interstate 105 California" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional engineering, urban planning, or transportation consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific project needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.