One of the best things about living in Downey is our freeway proximity. And that includes hopping on the 105 Freeway and a straight shot to LAX.

That drive could get more complicated, however.

The LA Times published a story today about Metro’s plans to add a toll lane to the 405 Freeway through the Sepulveda Pass. At the end of the article is this revelation:

“The 405 proposal is part of a broader Metro plan to convert carpool lanes to toll lanes on more than a dozen segments of Los Angeles County freeways. The plan calls for eight projects, including the 405, to be completed by 2027.

That includes the 105 Freeway between the 405 and the 605 Freeway, and an extension of the ExpressLanes on the 10 from El Monte to the San Bernardino County line.”

Maybe this is good news if you regularly commute to West L.A. But if you’re accustomed to taking the HOV lane to the airport and breezing past traffic, well, that trip could soon cost you (or be prepared for longer travel time).