Proposed Northbound Improvements Under Evaluation
- Extending the 5th general-purpose lane between Orangewood Avenue and Katella Avenue
- Improving the Katella Avenue off-ramp by widening the bridge over the railroad tracks or constructing a new 2-lane bridge over the railroad tracks
- Converting the Orangewood Avenue straight/slip on-ramp to a loop on-ramp
About the Environmental Study
During the Project Approval/Environmental Document (PA/ED) phase, also known as the environmental study phase, an Initial Study and Environmental Assessment (IS/EA) was prepared.
At the heart of NEPA and CEQA is the public’s interest in the environment. In general, the purpose of the environmental study process is to identify a proposed project’s potential environmental effects and to develop measures to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate these effects as feasible. The study evaluated potential environmental effects for proposed improvements of Build Alternative(s) and the No Build Alternative.
The Build Alternative(s) includes designed improvements that achieve primary objectives as defined in the purpose and need of the proposed project, are cost-effective, and maximize public benefits. The No Build Alternative means no improvements would be made, and therefore analyzes the existing conditions along with what would be reasonably expected to occur if the project were not approved. Analysis of the No Build Alternative allows the public and project partners to assess the effects of the proposed project versus the effects of taking no action.
Environmental Study Results
The draft environmental document (IS/EA) containing the results of each technical study was available for public review and comment during a public review period. During the public review period, a public open house will was held at Portola Middle School in the project area. At the public meeting, informational exhibits were on display and project representatives available to respond.
The Final Environmental Document (FED) resulted in a Mitigated Negative Declaration/Finding of No Significant Impact (MND/FONSI), under CEQA and NEPA respectively. This means the project, as a whole, would not result in a significant impact.
Project Funding
The total estimated cost of construction is currently $47 - $51 million (current dollars), depending on which proposed improvements are ultimately constructed. The Project Approval/Environmental Document process was funded by OC Go, formerly Measure M, Orange County’s voter-approved ½ cent transportation sales tax measure. The proposed project is the fourth in a series of projects designed to increase capacity, improve operations and enhance safety on the northbound 57 Freeway in Orange County.
The proposed project is the third in a series of projects designed to increase capacity, improve operations and enhance safety on the northbound 57 Freeway.