Began construction
The Measure M freeway program includes 30 project segments that will relieve rush hour congestion and ease traffic flow on Orange County freeways. To date, 17 freeway segments have been completed and six more were under construction during 2025.
I-5 (SR-73 to El Toro Road) Improvement Project
From SR-73 to El Toro Road, OCTA and Caltrans completed the I-5 Improvement Project.
Located adjacent to the cities of Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, the $699.4 million freeway improvement project was built in three segments and included numerous roadway, structural and operational improvements, as well as soundwalls. All freeway improvements on the three segments were opened to traffic in March 2025. Construction on the northerly segment (Alicia Parkway to El Toro Road) and the southerly segment (SR-73 to Oso Parkway which includes Avery Parkway Interchange) were completed in July 2025. A separate landscape contractor began plant establishment efforts for all three segments in June 2025, with completion anticipated in late 2026.
I-5 (I-405 to SR-55) Improvement Project
OCTA and Caltrans are improving traffic operations by adding a general-purpose lane in each direction and enhancing safety on the on- and off-ramps and in merging areas of I-5 between I-405 and SR-55 in the cities of Irvine and Tustin. The $716 million freeway improvement project will be built in two segments. Construction of the northerly segment from Yale Avenue to SR-55 began in December 2025. The southerly segment from I-405 to Yale Avenue is anticipated to begin construction in early 2026.
I-605 (Katella Avenue Interchange) Improvement Project
OCTA, in cooperation with Caltrans, is improving the local interchange at I-605 and Katella Avenue to improve mobility, smooth traffic flow, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The $53 million project is funded with a combination of local and federal funds.
Construction is underway and the project is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
SR-55 (I-405 to I-5) Improvement Project
OCTA and Caltrans are improving four miles of SR-55 between I-405 and I-5 through the cities of Irvine, Santa Ana, and Tustin. This project will improve traffic flow and reduce travel time by adding one regular lane and one carpool lane in each direction, making improvements to several bridges, and adding merge lanes between several interchanges. The $505.7 million project is funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds.
Construction is underway and the project is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
SR-57 (Northbound, Orangewood Avenue to Katella Avenue) Improvement Project
Located adjacent to the cities of Anaheim and Orange, this $135.4 million freeway improvement project will improve traffic flow and enhance freeway operation in the northbound direction on SR-57 from Orangewood Avenue to Katella Avenue. This project will add one northbound general-purpose lane, improve the northbound Katella Avenue off-ramp, and extend the merge length between the existing freeway on- and off-ramps to improve weaving distance. Construction began in October 2025.
SR-91 (SR-57 to SR-55) Improvement Project
From SR-57 to SR-55, OCTA and Caltrans are working together to implement the SR-91 Improvement Project to improve mobility throughout the corridor, reduce weaving and merging between ramps, and improve on- and off-ramps sidewalks and bike lanes at Glassell Street, Tustin Avenue, and Lakeview Avenue interchanges.
Located adjacent to the cities of Anaheim, Fullerton, Orange, and Placentia, the $778.9 million freeway improvement project is being built in three segments.
Construction on segment 1 (SR-55 to Lakeview Ave) began in February 2025 and on segment 3 (Acacia Street to La Palma Avenue) in December 2025. Segment 2 (La Palma Avenue to SR-55) is anticipated to be advertised for construction in 2026.
Next 10 Delivery Plan: 2025 Update
Since the approval of Measure M, the OCTA Board has continued to pursue the expeditious implementation of Measure M through the adoption of delivery plans. These comprehensive and balanced plans are developed to ensure that the promises made in the Measure M Transportation Investment Plan can continue to be delivered in concert with changes in economic conditions and revenue projections. To date, there have been three delivery plans: the Early Action Plan adopted in 2007, M2020 Plan adopted in 2012, and Next 10 Delivery Plan adopted in 2016. The Next 10 Delivery Plan was last updated in 2025 and spans fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 to 2034-35. It incorporated OCTA's strong revenue position and validated that Measure M can still be delivered consistent with commitments to the voters, though Metrolink’s long-term operating sustainability requires close monitoring and coordination. By 2030, 90 percent of the total number of freeway projects (27 out of 30) are anticipated to be delivered well in advance of 2041.
Invested more than $114.7 million to keep traffic moving, reduce congestion, and maintain streets.
The Streets and Roads Program plays a critical role in sustaining and improving the county’s extensive roadway network, spanning more than 6,500 miles.
Measure M dedicates approximately 32 percent of net local transportation sales tax proceeds to enable Orange County cities and the County of Orange to maintain streets, synchronize traffics signals, and improve the local streets and roads system to make it safer and more efficient. These well-maintained and improved thoroughfares contribute to the safety, quality of life and smooth, efficient travel for all, whether they drive, cycle, walk, vanpool, or take OC Bus. To date, more than $1.3 billion in tax dollars has been invested locally in streets and roads as part of promises made through Measure M.
Every trip begins with a local street or road. Keeping them in good shape is an important component of Measure M.
In FY 2024-2025, OCTA allocated $77 million in Measure M Local Fair Share funds to cities and the County of Orange to preserve existing streets and roads and to provide other transportation improvements based on the priorities and infrastructure needs determined by local jurisdictions. As a result, Orange County has been able to accommodate more throughput, generally improve the level of service, and also maintain its standing as having the best pavement conditions in the state.
In addition, funding is provided through the Regional Capacity Program (RCP) for intersection improvements and other street improvement projects to help reduce congestion. In April 2025, the OCTA Board approved $25.7 million to fund nine RCP projects.
Stop and go traffic can be frustrating and time consuming. Measure M helps synchronize traffic signals across the county to make the drive less stressful.
To date, the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (RTSSP) has optimized signal timing throughout Orange County on 3,789 signalized intersections along 979 miles of roadway. It also funds the infrastructure that coordinates the traffic signal systems and the communications pathways needed for future data sharing and connections. Currently, there are 31 projects planned or in progress.
During 2025, OCTA implemented seven projects that synchronized 319 signals along approximately 81 miles. The corridors include:
In April 2025, the OCTA Board approved $12 million to fund six new synchronization projects:
As a result of this program, Orange County drivers experience less stop-and-go traffic. This allows them to save money on gas and reduce emissions and greenhouse gases. To date, the program has resulted in:
Progress continued on this upcoming local and regional connector.
OC Streetcar's 4.15-mile route will connect to existing rail and bus routes in Orange County and beyond, including the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center that serves Metrolink and Amtrak travelers throughout Southern California.
Major activities continued in 2025 and include the installation of all tracks and platforms, installation of rail and overhead poles, delivery of all eight vehicles, and continued construction of the maintenance and storage facility. As of December 2025, all tracks and overhead poles have been installed, and all eight cars are complete and undergoing testing at the maintenance and storage facility. At the end of 2025, a major testing milestone was achieved as the OC Streetcar was powered solely by electricity without support in the Pacific Electric right-of-way. This confirmed functionality of the overhead contact system, which powers the vehicle. Testing will continue to ensure safe, reliable service prior to the start of operations.
Funded services for seniors and people with disabilities with more than $14.4 million.
The Senior Mobility Program helps bridge the gap between local fixed-route buses and ACCESS service by providing transportation services to seniors in 32 participating Orange County cities. The Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program supplements existing countywide transportation for non-emergency medical trips. The Fare Stabilization Program reduces fares for bus and ACCESS paratransit rides for seniors and people with disabilities. In FY 2024-2025, nearly $14.4 million was allocated for these programs under Measure M to improve the quality of life.
Continued track stabilization for mobility and reliable transport of goods and services.
Orange County has 12 Metrolink stations served by three lines – Orange County (OC) Line, Inland Empire Orange County (IEOC) Line, and 91/Perris Valley (91/PV) Line. Metrolink service relies on an operating subsidy, which OCTA funds through Measure M. While still below pre-pandemic levels, ridership continues to improve quarter-over-quarter. In 2025, ridership grew by 11 percent over 2024 but is 41 percent of pre-pandemic services levels. OCTA will continue to actively engage with Metrolink and the other member agencies to monitor ridership levels and the financial impacts to Measure M.
Measure M also provides funding for rail line and station improvements. Seven projects have been completed to date to accommodate increased passenger train service, including station upgrades, parking expansions, and safety enhancements.
Railroad track stabilization and protection efforts in south Orange County continue to be a major focus area, given their importance to the continued operation of Metrolink services in Orange County. Over the past several years, the City of San Clemente’s eroding bluffs on both city and private property have repeatedly forced closure of the rail line, which has operated largely uninterrupted for more than 125 years.
Planning studies are currently underway to identify and evaluate immediate as well as short- and medium-term solutions with a goal of protecting the rail line in place in south Orange County. A separate study will assess potential long-term solutions, which may include relocation of the rail line. The California State Transportation Agency has committed to lead the long-term study to plan for future investments necessary to ensure a resilient LOSSAN corridor.
Invested nearly $3.1 million and removed more than 11 million gallons of trash to protect Orange County waterways and the ocean.
The Environmental Cleanup Program (ECP) uses Measure M funds for local projects that clean transportation-related pollutants from Orange County's waterways.
The ECP is composed of two tiers of funding. The Tier 1 grant program is designed to mitigate the more visible forms of pollutants, such as litter and debris that collect on roadways and in storm drains, and the Tier 2 grant program consists of funding regional, potentially multi-jurisdictional, and capital-intensive projects which target non-visible transportation related pollution.
In October 2025, the OCTA Board approved $3.1 million to fund eight Tier 1 projects. During 2025, more than 11 million gallons of trash were removed from waterways. Since 2011, more than $43 million has been awarded for 241 projects. Through these projects, it is estimated that the equivalent of more than 16,000 trash truck loads of garbage has been captured.
In addition, since 2011, nearly $35 million has been awarded for 26 Tier 2 projects. It is estimated that Tier 2-funded projects, once fully functional, will have an annual groundwater recharge and water savings potential of approximately 352 million gallons.
In exchange for expedited freeway projects, OCTA preserves and restores natural habitats.
Approximately 1,300 acres have been permanently protected to enhance wildlife connectivity, safeguard sensitive species, and preserve substantial parcels of valuable habitat. The Environmental Mitigation Program conservation properties (Preserves) are located in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon. OCTA continues to host hikes and equestrian rides on some of these Preserves, allowing the public to enjoy the pristine open space and natural landscape. In addition, Measure M has funded 13 restoration projects that help remove invasive plants and restore approximately 350 acres of open space lands to their native habitat.
