Octa's transportation blog

Plans to Improve 57 Freeway in Anaheim Move Forward

OCTA, in partnership with Caltrans, is moving forward on a project to improve northbound SR 57 in a critical part of the central Orange County freeway network.

The SR-57 Northbound Improvement Project will extend a fifth regular freeway lane along a 1-mile stretch of the northbound freeway between Orangewood and Katella avenues, at the border of Anaheim and Orange.

“This important Measure M project builds upon investments OCTA has already made to enhance the 57 freeway,” said OCTA Chair Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “Once it is complete, commuters and truck traffic will enjoy more efficient and consistent trips through central Orange County.” Measure M, also known as OC Go, is Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

In recent years, OCTA worked with Caltrans on additional improvements through the area, including widening the 57 freeway and improving on- and off-ramps between Anaheim and Brea.

The 57 freeway serves as a vital north/south link in the central part of the county for commuters and commercial truck traffic.

The ramps in that area are used by drivers to reach important entertainment destinations, including Angel Stadium, Honda Center and Disneyland Resorts, as well as the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC).

One of the unique engineering challenges of the project is widening the ramp above the existing rail tracks used by Metrolink and Pacific Surfliner trains. Plans call for making the improvements while not affecting rail traffic.

The project, estimated to cost approximately $50 million, is scheduled to break ground in 2025 and be completed in 2027. For more information, visit here.