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SR-55 (I-405 to I-5) Improvement Project

McFadden Avenue Construction Updates

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Construction Activities

To accommodate freeway improvements, a new drainage system is being installed and new retaining walls will be constructed adjacent to the Kenyon Pointe and El Paseo communities.

Construction generally occurs on weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, some night and weekend work may be required. Construction crews will access the work areas from the freeway side.

Drainage System

A new drainage system is being constructed along northbound SR-55 adjacent to the Kenyon Pointe and El Paseo properties. Crews are currently excavating and constructing a temporary shoring system to support the slope while the new drainage system is being built. There is an existing drainage system that will be removed once the new one is in place.

During excavation, crews encountered buried concrete. Contractors are removing as much concrete as possible while some may have to remain in place. The concrete removal and shoring installation are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Photo caption: Excavation for shoring

Retaining Walls

Contractors will demolish an existing wall and construct a new retaining wall with a sound wall on top of it. A sound wall will serve as a noise barrier to the neighboring communities. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2024 and is expected to take 2 ½ years.

The new retaining wall/sound wall will be approximately 30’ tall and nearly 900’ long, extending along northbound SR-55 adjacent to the El Paseo and Kenyon properties to the McFadden Avenue off-ramp. In addition, a 16’ tall adjoining sound wall around the curve at the McFadden Avenue off-ramp will also be constructed.

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sound wall on top of retaining wall
Prior to construction, a temporary fence will be installed in the alleyway to create work areas for crews. Parking in the alleyway will be prohibited. Vehicle access to some garages will be restricted because part of the fence will be within the alleyway.
Additionally, contractors will be constructing a new retaining wall south of the El Paseo property, along northbound SR-55 between Edinger Avenue and the railroad. Construction is anticipated to begin in November and take approximately two years to complete.

Community Impacts

Residents may experience noise and vibration throughout construction from excavation, demolition, and drilling activities. Noise may also be generated from back-up alarms from construction equipment; the alarms are required by state regulation. Crews will also use lights during evening or early morning operations, as needed.

Access to SR-55 and I-5

The Project will include regional improvements at the SR-55/I-5 interchange that will be implemented at the end of the project. To improve safety and reduce congestion and delays, the McFadden Avenue on-ramp will only allow motorists to proceed to northbound I-5. Motorists using the on-ramp will not be able to merge left to get to northbound SR-55 or southbound I-5. Read more in the FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a regional improvement that will reduce congestion and delays by eliminating the weaving and merging near the SR-55/I-5 interchange.

Motorists traveling on northbound SR-55 will still be able to merge right to access the northbound and southbound I-5 connectors. Motorists using the McFadden Avenue on-ramp will only be able to access the northbound I-5 connector and must use alternate routes to access northbound SR-55 or southbound I-5.


freeway access

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The improvements will take effect when the Project is completed in 2026.

To access northbound SR-55: Take Newport Avenue to the northbound I-5 ramp and stay in the right lane to access the northbound SR-55 connector.

To access southbound I-5: Take Newport Avenue to Nisson Road and turn right, then turn left on Red Hill Avenue and turn right to access the southbound I-5 on-ramp.


alternative routes

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OCTA’s Outreach team will be sending email notifications, posting information on project social media platforms, hosting neighborhood meetings and participating in local events to inform the public of the improvements and construction activities.

Yes. In addition, an interpreter will be present at neighborhood meetings. If you would like to request information in another language, please contact the Outreach team at 888-371-2555 or email SR55Info@octa.net.

Visit octa.net/55Construction or sign up for the McFadden Avenue Interest List to receive emails about construction activities and upcoming neighborhood meetings.

Community Outreach

The public outreach team is in your community! We hold project information booths, host project booths at community events and offer project briefings to local groups and organizations.

To stay informed about activities happening near Kenyon Pointe and El Paseo, sign up here and check the box for McFadden Avenue to receive construction and meeting alerts.

For more information or to request a project presentation at an upcoming event, contact us at SR55info@octa.net. Hablamos español.

Project Information Booths

The Outreach team will be in your community every month beginning in January 2024. We invite you to stop by with questions or concerns about the project. More information will be available soon. 

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