Back in the 1950s and 60s, when the burgeoning freeway system was reshaping Los Angeles, the opening of a new one was a bit of an event. In this photo, the couple seen here decided the 1962 opening of the 405 San Diego Freeway was worthy of a family outing. They’re perched on the slopes of the Sepulveda Pass to watch those motorists keen to be able to make a future dinner-party claim, “Y’know, I was one of the very first people to drive on the 405.” It looks like the freeway opened with four lanes per direction. Each side now has six lanes and unless you’re there very, very early, the Sepulveda Pass is a continual parking lot.
Robert F. in FB says: “The Sepulveda Pass was the last section of the 405 to be completed.”
Simple outings with the family. Good times I’m sure we’re had by all.
I’m old enough to remember driving through the Sepulveda Pass before the 405. Of course, I’m also old enough to remember when driving through the S.P. on the 405 was a pleasure and not torture.