Octa's transportation blog

Making Progress on the SR-55 Improvement Project

During 2023, OCTA and Caltrans made significant progress on the SR-55 (I-405 to I-5) Improvement Project. Three partially demolished bridges are being reconstructed, more than half of the 18 retaining walls are under construction, and new drainage systems are being installed including the more than 3,100-foot-long Lane Channel.

The $475.1 million project adds one regular lane and one carpool lane in each direction of SR-55 between I-405 and I-5, improving mobility and reducing congestion for motorists. Completion is expected in 2026. For more information about the project, click here; visit here for weekly construction alerts.

To support businesses during construction, OCTA launched the Focus on 55 program last winter. Nearly 70 businesses along the project corridor have taken advantage of the free program, which offers participants marketing support and encourages customers to shop locally. Businesses in Irvine, Santa Ana and Tustin can sign up for the program here. Participating businesses are showcased in on Facebook and Instagram @55FwyProject.