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Sepulveda Tunnel Under Los Angeles International Airport

Sepulveda Tunnel Running Beneath Los Angeles International Airport Runways, circa 1953. Photo displayed at Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, Los Angeles International Airport.

Until 1950, runways of Mines Field (or Los Angeles Airport, the future Los Angeles International Airport LAX) did not extend west of Sepulveda Boulevard. About that year, the airport runways were extended to 6,000 feet and Sepulveda Boulevard had to be rerouted around the west end of the runways. In 1953, a tunnel was completed beneath the runways that allowed Sepulveda Boulevard to again run straight and pass beneath airport runways. The tunnel was the first of its kind.

Map showing location of Sepulveda Tunnel Running Beneath Los Angeles International Airport Runways. Los Angeles Almanac Map.