Public Meetings Set For 405 Improvement Project

The public is invited to provide input on issues related to the proposed alternatives
ORANGE – Residents and commuters are invited to a series of scoping meetings to learn about the San Diego Freeway (I-405) improvement project and provide comments on issues related to the proposed alternatives.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in partnership with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), is beginning the environmental process of studying improving the I-405 between the Corona Del Mar Freeway (SR-73) and the San Gabriel Freeway (I-605).
The I-405 is one of the most congested freeways in the county, carrying more than 300,000 vehicle trips in some areas each day. Traffic volumes are expected to increase approximately 20 percent by 2030 and Caltrans and OCTA are proposing to widen the freeway to improve travel conditions for commuters.
The following meetings are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include a project overview presentation from 6:30 to 7 p.m.:
Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the Fountain Valley Senior Center, 17967 Bushard St. in Fountain Valley
Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the Huntington Beach Public Library, 7111 Talbert Ave. in Huntington Beach
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Westminster Community Services Facility, 8200 Westminster Ave. in Westminster
Thursday, Oct. 1 at Rush Park Auditorium, 3021 Blume Drive in Rossmoor
Comments from the meetings will be used in the development of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Draft Environmental Impact Report that will consider the effects associated with the project alternatives.
Alternatives include adding one or two general purpose lanes in each direction, adding one general purpose lane and one toll lane in each direction, adding one general purpose lane at various locations and improving various interchanges or a no-build alternative. Currently, all the alternatives can be constructed generally within the existing right-of-way.
The public also may submit comments via e-mail to Smita Deshpande, Caltrans district 12 branch chief at 405scoping.parsons@parsons.com.