Freeway Improvements Continue
- I-5 Improvement Project: More than 97 percent complete
- SR-55 Improvement Project: More than 35 percent complete
- SR-91 Improvement Project: Construction to begin in 2025
Discover What a Half Cent Buys
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
FREEWAY
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, 15 freeway segments have been completed and three more were under construction during 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 .
Located adjacent to the cities of Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, the $699.4 million freeway improvement project is being built in three segments and includes numerous roadway, structural and operational improvements, as well as soundwalls. Construction on the middle segment (Oso Parkway to Alicia Parkway which includes La Paz Road Interchange) was completed in December 2024; the remaining two segments are anticipated to be completed in 2025.
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-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 $580.9 million freeway improvement project is being built in three segments.
The construction contract for Segment 1 (SR-55 to Lakeview Ave) was advertised at the end of 2024, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Next 10 Delivery Plan: 2024 Update
Since the approval of OC Go, the OCTA Board of Directors (Board) 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 2024 and spans fiscal year 2024-25 to 2033-34. 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
Invested more than $104.8 million to keep traffic moving, reduce congestion, and maintain streets.
STREETS and ROADS
The Streets and Roads Program has surpassed $1.2 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 $1.2 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 2024, OCTA distributed $73.2 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 May 2024, the Board approved $18.7 million for six RCP projects.
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 3,705 signalized intersections along 954 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 2024, OCTA implemented six projects that synchronized 183 signals along 51 miles. The corridors include:
- Baker Street-Placentia Avenue/Victoria Street/19th Street Grid (Costa Mesa)
- Culver Drive/Bonita Canyon/Ford (Irvine, Newport Beach)
- Gilbert Street/Idaho Street (Fullerton, La Habra)
- MacArthur Boulevard (Irvine, Newport Beach)
- Seal Beach Boulevard (Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, County of Orange)
- Warner Avenue (Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana)
In May 2024, the Board approved $12.9 million to fund five new synchronization projects:
- Ball Road/Taft Avenue (Anaheim)
- Paseo De Valencia/El Toro Road/Moulton Parkway (Laguna Hills)
- Alicia Parkway (Laguna Niguel)
- Antonio Parkway/Avenida De Las Banderas/Avenida Empresa (Rancho Santa Margarita)
- Kraemer Boulevard/Glassell Street/Grand Avenue (Santa Ana)
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:
- 107 traffic signal synchronization corridor projects implemented
- $150.3 million in overall funding awarded by the Board, including $40.1 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 activities continued in 2024 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 2024, all tracks and overhead poles have been installed, and all eight cars are complete and are in storage at the vehicle manufacturer’s storage facility.
Ensuring Mobility for All
Funded services for seniors and people with disabilities with more than $14.2 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 2024, more than $14.2 million was provided for these programs under OC Go to improve the quality of life.
Investing in Rail Service
Optimized service schedule to encourage car-free travel. Continued track stabilization for mobility and 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. In October 2024, Metrolink implemented a new pilot train schedule which offers increased frequency, better connections, and increased service during weekdays. This optimized schedule aims to address service gaps and make the most efficient use of equipment and crews as Metrolink adjusts the focus from commuter rail to regional rail in an effort to broaden their market and increase ridership. 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. 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 follow to 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.
Reducing Water Pollution Related to Transportation
Invested more than $10.6 million and removed more than ten million gallons of trash 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.
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.
In October 2024, the Board approved $3.7 million to fund 11 Tier 1 projects. During 2024, more than ten million gallons of trash were removed from waterways. Since 2011, more than $40 million has been awarded for 233 projects. Through these projects, it is estimated that the equivalent of more than 12,000 trash truck loads of garbage have been captured.
Also in October 2024, the Board approved $7 million to fund four Tier 2 projects. Since 2011, nearly $35 million has been awarded for 26 projects. It is estimated that Tier 2-funded projects, once fully functional, will have an annual groundwater recharge potential of more than 157 million gallons of water from infiltration or through pumped and treated recharge facilities.
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. More information is available here. 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.
Connecting Communities Through Local Transit Circulators
Invested more than $42 million to improve mobility and accessibility across Orange County.
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. In September 2024, the Board approved the fifth Project V call recommendations totaling more than $42 million for 13 transit circulator projects. To date, OCTA has awarded funding for 49 projects and ten planning studies, totaling approximately $97.8 million.