HIGHLIGHTS

West County Connectors Construction continued on this six-mile improvement project during the fiscal year. The project outreach team began posting weekly closure schedules and detour information utilizing Google Maps. This user-friendly format allowed the team to update closure information in real time which is especially helpful for the more than 370,000 daily commuters who utilize these freeways.

SR-91 between SR-55 and SR-241 OCTA and Caltrans completed construction on a six-mile general purpose lane in both directions between the SR-55 and the SR-241. In addition, three bridges were widened and 15 on- and off-ramps were reconstructed and realigned. The project was completed in February 2013.

SR-91 between SR-57 and I-5 OCTA and Caltrans broke ground on a new four-mile westbound lane between the SR-57 and the I-5. The project will also widen six bridges and one railroad crossing as well as construct numerous retaining and sound walls. Completion of the project is scheduled for April 2016.

SR-57 Northbound Widening Project Construction continued during the fiscal year as crews add a new northbound lane on the SR-57 from north of the SR-91 to Lambert Road and from Katella Avenue to Lincoln Avenue. Completion of the northern segment is expected by mid-April 2014, while the southern segment is on track to be finished in late 2014.

I-5 between SR-55 and SR-57 OCTA continued to conduct an environmental study to add lanes to the I-5 between the SR-55 and the SR-57.

I-5 Avenida Pico to San Juan Creek Road OCTA finalized the design phase to add a carpool lane in each direction from San Juan Capistrano to San Clemente and reconstruct the Avenida Pico interchange in San Clemente.

I-5 between El Toro Road and SR-73 The project, which proposes to add general-purpose lanes, extend carpool lanes and make operational improvements, is in the environmental review phase. Approval of an alternative is expected by May 2014.

Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project Along with Caltrans and the City of San Juan Capistrano, OCTA moved closer to resolving a chokepoint where significant delay and congestion occur along the Ortega Highway (SR-74) at the San Diego Freeway (I-5) interchange. Construction began in February to reconstruct the SR‑74 bridge over the I-5 freeway to improve traffic flow. This project is expected to be completed in 2015.

I-405 between SR-55 and I-605 A supplemental draft environmental impact report/environmental impact statement was distributed during the fiscal year.