OCTA and Caltrans are proposing a plan to lessen congestion and enhance freeway operations for an 8.5-mile segment of the I-405 between I-5 and SR-55 through Irvine. Alternatives include adding one or two regular lanes in each direction, adding auxiliary lanes and making various operational improvements.
Average daily traffic is expected to grow by 19 percent by 2050, and OCTA and Caltrans are examining how to offset increased traffic congestion. Studies indicate the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment.
Public comments on the draft environmental report, which evaluates the project’s benefits and potential impacts on the environment, will be accepted through Dec. 15.
The report is available here and at the following locations:
- Caltrans District 12; 1750 East 4th Street, Suite 100; Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Heritage Park Branch Library; 14361 Yale Avenue; Irvine, CA 92609
- Mesa Verde Branch Library; 2969 Mesa Verde Drive E; Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- El Toro Branch Library; 24672 Raymond Way; Lake Forest, CA 92630
Comments can be e-mailed to D12.405-South-Improvement-Project@dot.ca.gov or sent by paper mail to Scott Shelley, Caltrans District 12, Division of Environmental Analysis, 1750 E. 4th Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
The I-405 South improvement project is part of OCTA’s Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program. The environmental phase of the project is funded by a state grant and Measure M, the county’s half cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The total estimated cost of the project is between $225 and $245 million, depending on which concept is approved.
Comments gathered from the public will be included and responded to in the final environmental document.
Learn more about the project here.
Keep up with the project by joining the email list here.