Work on the northbound I-5 ramps at Avenida Pico in San Clemente, which are being realigned to accommodate a freeway widening through the city, is expected to be completed by late October.
The project requires the complete reconstruction of the Pico interchange, with Pico being widened and straightened to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
One half of each ramp was completed in mid-August, and traffic was switched over to the new portions. That switch has resulted in some changes to traffic patterns for motorists, who are being asked to use caution and watch for pedestrians at the bottom of the northbound off-ramp. Pico is heavily traveled by students walking or driving to and from San Clemente High School.
Once construction has been completed, I-5 will have five lanes – four general-purpose lanes and one carpool lane – in each direction. Avenida Pico will be nine lanes under the bridge, with four westbound lanes and five eastbound lanes. There also will be bike lanes.
The project is expected to wrap up by early 2018. For more information or to sign up for construction alerts, visit here.