The express lane exit everyone skips saved my morning for real

I drove the 5 through Burbank for two years before I bothered trying the Vineland Ave exit during rush. Everyone always stays on the freeway thinking it's faster, but the light at the bottom is timed for the crossing traffic. Last Tuesday I took it, hit the surface street light green, and rolled into the office parking lot 12 minutes earlier than my usual arrival. I checked the time twice because I didn't believe my own dashboard clock. The key is you have to stay in the right lane a quarter mile before the exit or you'll get boxed out by the buses. Has anyone else found a hidden surface street route that beats their usual freeway slog?

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hannah_perry25d ago

The Sepulveda Blvd cut through Westchester saved me about 15 minutes every day for a year. I used to sit in the 405 mess near the airport until I noticed a bunch of delivery trucks peeling off at the Imperial exit around 7:40 AM. Followed one once and found this straight shot down to Rosecrans that hits every light perfectly if you keep it at 35 mph. The trick is you have to commit early and ignore the people honking behind you when you slow down for the crosswalks. My only warning is the school zone in the morning, so you really have to watch the speed limit signs around the corner. Now I almost look forward to traffic days because I know I have that backup plan.