Freeway Improvements Continue
- I-405 Improvement Project: Open to traffic
- I-5 Improvement Project: More than 84 percent complete
- SR-55 Improvement Project: More than 23 percent complete
2023 Highlights
The OC Go freeway program includes 30 project segments that will relieve rush hour congestion and ease traffic flow on Orange County freeways. To date, 13 freeway segments have been completed and five more were under construction during 2023.
I-405 Improvement Project
On December 1, 2023, a dedication event was held to celebrate the completion of all 18 bridge reconstructions, freeway lanes, and on- and off-ramps, and opening of the 405 Express Lanes.
This $2.16 billion project improved 16 miles of the I‐405 in both directions between SR-73 and I-605 through the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach and Westminster. The project added one general purpose lane in each direction between Euclid Street and I-605. It also made improvements to freeway on- and off-ramps, and reconstructed 18 bridges, many now featuring new sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Additionally, the project added the 405 Express Lanes, incorporating the existing carpool lanes and a new lane in each direction between SR-73 and I-605. The general purpose lane portion of the project was funded by OC Go with a combination of local, state and federal funds. The 405 Express Lanes was funded separately and will be paid for by those who choose to pay a toll and use them.
As of December 2023, the project was substantially completed with all lanes opened to traffic. While the bulk of the work is complete, crews will be putting the finishing touches on the project over the next several months. Full project completion is anticipated in early 2024.
I-5 (SR-73 to El Toro Road) Improvement Project
From SR-73 to El Toro Road, OCTA and Caltrans are working together to implement the I-5 Improvement Project to address traffic volumes, which are anticipated to increase 25 percent by 2045.
Located adjacent to the cities of Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, the $675.7 million freeway improvement project is being built in three segments and includes numerous roadway, structural and operational improvements, as well as soundwalls. Construction on all three segments is underway, with completion anticipated in 2024.
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, make improvements to several bridges, and add 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 2026.
Next 10 Delivery Plan: 2023 Update
Since the approval of OC Go, the OCTA Board of Directors has continued to pursue the expeditious implementation of M2 through the adoption of delivery plans. These comprehensive and balanced plans are developed to ensure that the promises made in the OC Go 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 2023 and spans fiscal year 2022-23 to 2031-32. It incorporated OCTA's strong revenue position and validated that OC Go can still be delivered consistent with commitments to the voters. 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.
Keeping OC Streets & Roads Among the Best in the State
More than $117.6 million was invested to keep traffic moving, reduce congestion, and maintain streets.
The Streets and Roads Program has surpassed $1.1 billion in funding allocations and distributions.
OC Go 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 $1.1 billion in tax dollars has been invested locally in streets and roads as part of promises made through OC Go.
Every trip begins with a local street or road. Keeping them in good shape is an important component of OC Go.
In 2023, OCTA distributed $74.6 million in OC Go 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 late 2022, the OCTA Board of Directors (Board) approved two temporary policy changes to help local jurisdictions advance projects programmed as part of the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 call for projects (call) in light of extraordinary inflationary pressures. The first policy change allowed for one-time escalation adjustments. In February 2023, the Board approved escalation adjustments for five RCP projects, increasing the overall M2 allocation by $4.2 million. The second policy change allowed local jurisdictions to reapply for previously approved projects in the 2023 call and, if successful, the cancellation of the prior grant. In April 2023, the Board approved $33.5 million for seven RCP projects, five of which were reapplications.
Stop and go traffic can be frustrating and time consuming. OC Go 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 3,522 signalized intersections along 903 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 27 projects planned or in progress.
During 2023, OCTA implemented three projects that synchronized 77 signals along 17 miles. The corridors include:
- Aliso Creek Road (Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel)
- Bear Street (Costa Mesa, Santa Ana)
- Malvern Avenue/Chapman Avenue (Buena Park, Fullerton, Placentia)
In late 2022, the OCTA Board of Directors (Board) approved two temporary policy changes to help local jurisdictions advance projects programmed as part of the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 call for projects (call) in light of extraordinary inflationary pressures. The first policy change allowed for one-time escalation adjustments. In February 2023, the Board approved escalation adjustments for four RTSSP projects, increasing the overall M2 allocation by $1.6 million. The second policy change allowed local jurisdictions to reapply for previously approved projects in the 2023 call and, if successful, the cancellation of the prior grant. In April 2023, the Board approved nearly $3.7 million to fund three new synchronization projects:
- Irvine Boulevard/Trabuco Road (Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo)
- Marguerite Parkway (Mission Viejo)
- Olympiad Road/Felipe Road (Mission Viejo)
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:
- 101 traffic signal synchronization corridor projects implemented
- $137.4 million in overall funding awarded by the Board, including $30.5 million in leveraged external funding
- 13% average travel time savings
- 29% reduction in stops
- 14% average speed improvement
Moving Ahead with OC Streetcar
Progress continued on this upcoming local and regional connector.
Currently under construction, this public transit option is designed to move residents, employees and visitors through the heart of the county and will be the first modern streetcar in California.
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 construction activities continued in 2023 and include construction of the tracks and platforms, installation of rail and overhead poles, and continued construction of the maintenance and storage facility. As of December 2023, 100 percent of the embedded tracks have been installed in four of the five project segments, and all eight cars are in the final stages of manufacturing, with one substantially complete. Construction is anticipated to be complete to begin revenue operations in 2025.
Ensuring Mobility for All
Services for seniors and persons with disabilities were funded by more than $14.5 million.
Three programs work together to provide efficient, cost-effective transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities.
The Senior Mobility Program fills the gap between local fixed-route buses and ACCESS service by providing transportation services to seniors in 32 cities in Orange County. OCTA and the participating cities contribute to the program. To date, all actively participating cities have resumed full transportation services to meet the needs of the community. 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 persons with disabilities. In 2023, more than $14.5 million was provided for these programs under OC Go to improve the quality of life.
Local transit circulators provide mobility options in areas not well-served by regional transit services.
The Community-Based Transit Circulators Program (Project V) provides funding for local jurisdictions to develop local bus transit services that complement regional bus and rail services to meet needs in areas not adequately served by regional transit. Earlier this year, OCTA requested and received 18 letters of interest for 20 different services from local jurisdictions expressing interest in a future Project V call for projects (call). Staff concluded that there was sufficient demand to justify a fifth Project V call in fiscal year 2023-24. In November 2023, the Board of Directors approved the release of the 2024 Project V call, prioritizing funding for previously awarded successful projects. Applications are due in early 2024, with funding recommendations anticipated in spring 2024. To date, OCTA has awarded funding for 36 projects and ten planning studies, totaling approximately $53.8 million.
Investing in Rail Service Infrastructure
Track stabilization facilitates car-free travel and ensures reliable transport of goods and services.
Each day, commuters and other travelers use convenient Metrolink trains to get to work or other destinations within Orange County or the adjoining counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.
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 OC Go. While still below pre-pandemic levels, ridership continues to improve quarter-over-quarter. OCTA will continue to actively engage with Metrolink and the other member agencies to monitor ridership levels and the financial impacts to OC Go.
OC Go also provides funding for rail line and station improvements. In January 2023, the Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station Improvement Project was completed, adding a second main track and passenger platform, extending the existing passenger platform, and installing various amenities to improve the passenger experience.
Railroad track stabilization and protection efforts in south Orange County have become a major focus area, given its importance to the continued operation of Metrolink services in Orange County. Over the past three 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. OCTA, working with Metrolink as the primary rail operator, has been responding – and will continue to respond – to the city’s bluff failures and addressing them on an emergency basis to limit rail service disruptions.
In August 2023, the OCTA Board of Directors approved the selection of a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and alternative concept analysis to identify short- and medium-term solutions with a goal to protecting the rail line in place. To date, OCTA has invested $12 million of OC Go funds along with $16 million of state and federal funds to ensure the safety of the railroad track.
Reducing Water Pollution Related to Transportation
More than $3.3 million was invested and ten million gallons of trash removed to protect Orange County waterways and the ocean.
The Environmental Cleanup Program (ECP) uses OC Go funds for local projects that clean transportation-related pollutants from Orange County's waterways.
In August 2023, the OCTA Board of Directors approved $3.4 million to fund ten water quality improvement projects. During 2023, ten million gallons of trash was removed from waterways. Since 2011, more than $64 million has been awarded for 244 projects from all 34 cities and the County of Orange. Through these projects, it is estimated that the equivalent of more than 161 football fields one foot deep in trash has been captured.
In exchange for expedited freeway projects, OCTA preserves and restores natural habitats.
A total of 1,300 acres has been permanently protected to enhance wildlife connectivity, safeguard sensitive species, and preserve substantial parcels of valuable habitat. Preserves are located in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon. OCTA continues to host hikes and equestrian rides on these preserves, allowing the public the enjoy the pristine open space and natural landscape. For more information, visit www.PreservingOurLegacy.org. In addition, OC Go has funded 12 restoration projects that help remove invasive plants and restore approximately 350 acres of open space lands to their native habitat.