Project Overview

The Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) is one of the most heavily congested freeways in Southern California. SR-55 is a vital link to other major freeway systems in Orange County, and it is the only freeway providing a direct north-south connection between Central Orange County and the coastal region. Currently, SR-55 between Interstate 405 (I-405) and Interstate 5 (I-5) has four general purpose lanes, one carpool lane and some auxiliary lanes in each direction. The heavy congestion on SR-55 is expected to increase with future demand. This project will add new lanes to this stretch of the freeway to help with traffic flow and improve traffic operations.

About the Project

The project will add one regular lane and one carpool lane in each direction, as well as auxiliary lanes between several interchanges on SR-55 between the I-405 and I-5. The 4 mile Project also includes:

• Improving four bridges
• Constructing retaining walls
• Reconfiguring on- and off-ramps
• Reconstructing a lane channel
• Relocating utilities
• Modifying and realigning local streets

Construction began in early August 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Funding

The total project cost is $475.1 million. The project is funded by OC GO (also known as Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements), state and federal funds. The California Transportation Commission awarded OCTA $140 million in competitive state transportation funding to support the project.

Project Schedule

Focus on 55 Business Program

 

OCTA’s Focus on 55 Program supports eligible local businesses along the SR-55 Improvement Project corridor. We offer marketing assistance to increase exposure and encourage consumers to shop local during construction. Participation is free.

Benefits to Businesses
Free participation
Social media and email marketing

Benefits to Customers
Discover deals and special offers
Support businesses and keep sales tax local

Participating Businesses

fgtrans.com

 

@hunterscafeandbakery

 

jasperplum.com

 

naturecarelandscaping.com

 

sterlingcollisioncenter.com

 

uptheimpact.org

 

Lane and Ramp Closures

Crews are expected to perform the following daytime and nighttime activities:

• Restriping lanes on northbound (NB) SR-55, to shift traffic toward the center median
• Placing temporary concrete barriers along the outside shoulder of NB SR-55
• Excavating for a new retaining wall on Pullman Street between MacArthur Boulevard and McGaw Avenue
• Performing electrical work along NB SR-55
• Clearing vegetation behind temporary concrete barriers within the work area

To facilitate this work, lane and ramp closures are planned on NB SR-55, nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday, Oct. 3 through Friday, Oct. 7.

This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.  

Resources

• Project Fact Sheet - English
• Project Fact Sheet - Spanish
• FAQs - English
• FAQs - Spanish
• Project Map - English
• Project Map -Spanish
• Project Postcard – Construction Set to Begin
• How to Sign Up for Text Alerts
• “How To” Login to Zoom Webinar- English
• “How To” Login to Zoom Webinar- Spanish
• April 2021 Project Update to Board and RPH Committee
• Press Release - SR-55 Improvement Project Receives $140 million from CTC
• Press Release - SR-55 Improvement Project Gets Underway in Orange County

Public Webinars

• Webinar Archive
• Virtual Meeting Presentation – English
• Virtual Meeting Presentation- Spanish
• Press Release - Learn More About Upcoming SR-55 Construction at Virtual Meeting