Octa's transportation blog

Plan Ahead for Ortega Construction Improvements

For those traveling to and from San Juan Capistrano, the Ortega Interchange is the prime gateway to the city. As OCTA and Caltrans work to relieve traffic congestion at this key intersection of Interstate 5 (I-5) and Ortega Highway (State Route 74), continuous outreach efforts keep the downtown business area and all interested stakeholders informed about current and upcoming construction activities and detours.

Progress continues with the recent completion of the north I-5 off-ramp. Caltrans is preparing to shift traffic onto the newly constructed portion of the bridge by the Thanksgiving holiday.

The next construction stage will include the full closure and reconfiguration of Ortega Highway between the freeway and Del Obispo Street. This is expected to begin Nov. 3 and will last up to three weeks.

In mid-December, Caltrans expects to demolish the north-half of the Ortega Highway Bridge and will begin reconstruction efforts in the early months of the new year. Remaining activities within the downtown area include reconstructing Ortega Highway between El Camino Real and Del Obispo Street, which is expected to start in early January 2015 and result in a three-week closure of this portion of the roadway. Learn more at octa.net/ortega.