LAWA Begins Removal of Iconic LAX Sign as Modernization Accelerates

(LOS ANGELES) Los Angeles World Airports has begun taking down the iconic LAX sign along Sepulveda Boulevard, a visible first step in a sweeping roadway overhaul tied to the airport’s long-term modernization.

Crews started dismantling the 32-foot-high letters on the night of September 4, 2025, beginning with the “X.” The work is slated to continue for about a week, with the “A” and “L” following in sequence. LAWA says the removal is temporary: the LAX sign will be stored and later reinstalled as part of a redesigned gateway once the roadway project is complete.

The sign work sits within the $5.5 billion Airfield & Terminal Modernization Program (ATMP), a multi-year plan to reduce traffic on Sepulveda Boulevard by moving airport-bound vehicles to new, dedicated elevated roadways and improving wayfinding across the airport. LAWA notes that all terminals and essential services remain open during construction, with overnight operations used to limit disruption. The illuminated 100-foot pylons that greet drivers at the airport entrance will also be relocated later in the project.

Airport officials frame this as a long-planned milestone that will improve access for travelers, workers, and nearby communities. Michael Christensen, LAWA’s Chief Airport Development Officer, said the sign’s temporary removal marks progress toward a more efficient airport experience, with safer pedestrian routes, clearer signs, and more direct links to economy parking. The agency has emphasized that the familiar LAX sign will return, integrated into a refreshed gateway.

Project scope and timeline

The ATMP aims to fix chronic bottlenecks while preparing for major global events coming to Los Angeles. Key phases, including elevated roadways and traffic separations, are planned to be ready ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. LAWA says these timelines can be met while keeping core airport functions running. Full program completion is targeted for 2030.

Planned benefits and design goals:
– Separate airport-bound traffic from local drivers to cut weaving and last-minute lane changes
– Add safer walking routes and improved signage for terminal access
– Provide more direct access to economy parking and other facilities
– Reduce congestion on Sepulveda Boulevard by rerouting hundreds of vehicles onto dedicated, elevated roads

The LAX sign’s removal, storage, and reinstallation are sequenced to make way for roadway work and staging areas. The letters are being lifted overnight to manage lane closures and maintain access to terminals during peak travel periods. The pylons’ relocation will occur in later phases.

LAWA says crews are working one letter at a time, using large cranes and a tight safety perimeter. As of September 10, 2025, the process remains on track. While the sign’s exact new placement has not been publicly announced, the agency confirms it will appear in a location that matches the new roadway layout and improves the gateway’s look and function.

Travel and immigration impacts

For travelers—especially those arriving on international flights to the United States 🇺🇸—the most immediate changes will be on the roads around the terminals. Drivers should prepare for detours, lane reductions, and new signs as work zones shift. LAWA says overnight closures will be common, so plan extra time for early morning departures or late arrivals.

What to expect in the coming weeks:
– Intermittent lane closures on Sepulveda Boulevard near the airport entrance
– Detours directing vehicles to temporary routes, especially overnight
– Updated digital message boards and posted signs guiding drivers to terminals, parking, and rideshare zones
– Pedestrian detours in areas where crews stage equipment

International passengers do not need to change any immigration documents or steps due to the sign removal. However, road work can affect timing. If your flight arrives late at night, consider extra buffer time to reach rideshare pick-ups or off-airport shuttles. For current entry rules, travelers can consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s official guidance for the Los Angeles International Airport Port of Entry on cbp.gov.

Airport operations will continue during marquee events, and LAWA has stated it will keep essential services steady even as construction ramps up. That includes international arrivals processing by CBP, baggage handling, and ground transportation. The agency also expects improvements in how signs direct travelers, which should reduce missed turns that can slow curb traffic.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, large airport roadway projects often cause short-term delays but tend to pay off with smoother traffic flow and clearer routes once complete—especially when separate lanes handle commercial shuttles and private cars.

Community response and historical context

The LAX sign itself carries meaning beyond wayfinding. Installed in 2000 ahead of the Democratic National Convention as part of an $80 million entrance facelift, the sign quickly became a symbol of Los Angeles—often photographed like the Hollywood sign and shared widely by visitors. That explains why some community members have reacted with nostalgia and disappointment to its removal, even if temporary.

LAWA has reiterated that the letters are not gone for good; they are being stored nearby and will return in a new configuration fit for the redesigned roads.

For airport workers and nearby residents, the project aims to:
– Reduce cut-through traffic
– Improve safety at crosswalks and intersections around the airport area
– Lessen daily friction between local drivers and visitors unfamiliar with the area

Transportation experts generally welcome the approach, saying dedicated elevated lanes can reduce stops and delays that ripple through the entire loop.

Practical tips for travelers during construction

• Build in extra time, especially if driving yourself or dropping off family
• Follow posted detours and watch for new signs pointing to economy parking and shuttles
• If taking a rideshare, check app instructions, which may update pick-up zones based on lane closures
• For international arrivals, review CBP guidance and consider trusted traveler options such as Global Entry on cbp.gov to cut wait times at passport control

The airport will share updates as phases advance and as plans for the LAX sign’s new placement are finalized. For official notices, maps, and contact details, visit the LAWA website at lawa.org. LAWA’s Public Relations Office provides media and public information through the site’s contact page.

The visual of the LAX sign coming down may feel like an ending, but LAWA frames it as a step toward a more reliable gateway. The roadway overhaul is designed to meet the surge expected during the World Cup and the Olympics without overwhelming the terminal loop, then serve daily travelers for decades.

What’s next

In the months ahead, drivers on Sepulveda Boulevard will see:
– More overnight work and construction staging
– Continued lane shifts timed to limit stress during holiday travel periods
– Future relocation of the illuminated pylons aligned with the refreshed gateway design

LAWA’s message is steady: the LAX sign will return, the pylons will move, and the airport’s front door will look and work differently—by design—well before the city hosts the world in 2026 and 2028.