Interstate 105 (California)

Interstate 105 (I-105), also known as the Century Freeway, is a major east-west auxiliary Interstate Highway in Los Angeles County, California. It runs for approximately 17 miles (27 km) from near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Interstate 605 (I-605), intersecting several major freeways including Interstate 405 (I-405), Interstate 110 (I-110), and Interstate 710 (I-710).

Its construction was highly controversial due to extensive community displacement and legal battles, which delayed its opening for decades. The route was originally planned in the 1960s, but faced significant opposition from residents concerned about its impact on their neighborhoods. These concerns led to a landmark consent decree that mandated extensive mitigation measures, including the provision of replacement housing.

The Century Freeway is notable for its design, which incorporates a wide median that accommodates a light rail line, the Metro C Line (formerly the Green Line). This was a key component of the consent decree and aimed to provide alternative transportation options to reduce reliance on automobiles.

The freeway provides access to several important destinations, including LAX, the cities of El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lynwood, and Norwalk, and various industrial and commercial centers. It serves as a crucial transportation corridor for commuters and freight traffic in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

The official name "Century Freeway" references Century Boulevard, a major east-west thoroughfare that runs parallel to much of the freeway's route. The name also reflects the long and often contentious history of the project, which spanned much of the 20th century.