Noticed the construction on I-5 in South County and wondering what’s going on? Come chat directly with the Project Team and get your questions answered! How long will construction last? What are the major improvements? How will this project impact you? Join us on Facebook Live by clicking here or call into the meeting, 1-669-900-6833, meeting id: 983 2451 1782.
Construction Continues on I-5 South County Improvements Project
Governor Newsom has issued a "stay at home" executive order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Construction of public transportation projects is considered an essential service and is exempt from this order. Work will continue on the project as scheduled.
We will continue to take guidance from state and federal officials and work to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public, always our number one priority on construction projects. We also are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic and will keep you updated if there are any changes to our projects.
Today, nearly 360,000 motorists travel I-5 daily between the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road (SR-73) and El Toro Road. Transportation planners expect traffic volumes to grow 25 percent by 2045. To address this travel demand, OCTA and Caltrans are working together to implement the San Diego Freeway (I-5) Widening project from SR-73 to El Toro Road.
Located adjacent to the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel, this $565 million freeway improvement project was approved by Orange County voters in November 2006. Once construction begins, the project will be built in three segments and include numerous roadway, structural and operational improvements, some of which are highlighted below:
ROADWAY
- New northbound and southbound general purpose lane from Avery Parkway to Alicia Parkway to increase capacity
- Extension of the second carpool lane from Alicia Parkway to El Toro Road, in both directions
STRUCTURE
- Reconstruct two interchanges, as well as widen bridges
- Modify multiple on- and off-ramps
- Add new sound and retaining walls
OPERATIONAL
- Convert carpool lanes throughout project limits to continuous access, to facilitate entering and exiting throughout the corridor
- Add new and re-establish auxiliary (merge) lanes, improving merging and diverging
- Install new overhead signage and lighting
- Restripe within project limits
DETAILS
- LENGTH: 6.5 miles
- ADJACENT CITIES: Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano
- TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $580 million
- SCHEDULE: Mid 2019 – 2025
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