LA Metro hails 605 South Street upgrades as easing bottleneck, improving access to Cerritos businesses

Unidentified Speaker 1, identifying themself as chairman of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), said he was "so excited about this project" after completion of improvements at the 605 South Street off-ramp that serve Cerritos and neighboring Artesia.

The speaker said the project "added 2 right hand lanes and 2 left hand lanes," a change he described as reducing a longtime bottleneck where the 605 transitions into South Street. He also said the work included "high visibility sidewalks," ADA-compliant ramps and upgraded lighting intended to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

"I've spoken to several of my colleagues on the cities that are aligned with the 605," the chairman said, framing the project as a collaborative effort between Metro and local agencies. He called the improvement "a perfect example of how Metro is reinvesting into the Southeast gateway cities" and placed it within a broader package of I-605 and 91 projects.

Unidentified Speaker 2, who reported hearing from residents, said people have "noticed the new and improved 605 South Street off ramp and they are very happy," and added that the upgrade will allow residents and visitors easier access to Cerritos businesses including Los Cerritos Mall and the Cerritos Auto Square. Unidentified Speaker 3 similarly praised Metro's coordination with the Auto Square, the Los Cerritos Mall and Artesia's downtown, saying the feedback from residents and businesses has been positive.

There were no motions or votes recorded in the transcript excerpt. Officials emphasized the project's aims — improved traffic flow, enhanced pedestrian safety and stronger connectivity for Southeast gateway communities — and described it as part of ongoing regional improvements along the I-605 and SR-91 corridors.