OCTA’s I-5 Improvement Project Breaks Ground through Irvine and Tustin in partnership with Caltrans

The approximately $716 million project between I-405 and SR-55 will add a regular lane in each direction and make improvements for those who drive, bike or walk in the area

ORANGE - Local and state officials gathered today to commemorate the start of construction on the I-5 Improvement Project through Irvine and Tustin - a major effort to improve mobility, enhance safety and reduce congestion along one of Orange County's busiest freeways.

Led by the Orange County Transportation Authority in partnership with Caltrans, the project will deliver major improvements along the nearly 9-mile stretch of I-5 between I-405 and SR-55, adding new general-purpose and auxiliary lanes, improving interchanges, and modernizing key sections of the corridor.

These upgrades are designed to reduce bottlenecks, improve traffic flow, and create a safer, more reliable travel experience for the more than 276,000 vehicles that use this portion of I-5 each day, as well as for people who walk, bike, or take transit through the area.

"Interstate 5 is part of everyday life in Orange County, from getting to work and school to visiting family and moving goods," said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico, who is also a Dana Point Councilmember. "Starting construction on this project means real, visible progress for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on this freeway each day. These improvements are about making trips safer, more predictable, and less stressful for everyone."

In addition to freeway improvements, the project includes enhancements for active transportation and community connectivity, such as upgraded pedestrian curb ramps, repainted bike lanes for better visibility, lighting, and the installation of new guardrails and concrete barriers to enhance safety for all roadway users. The project is expected to be complete in 2030.

"This project represents a major investment in safety, mobility and connectivity along one of Orange County's most critical corridors," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "In partnership with OCTA and the cities of Irvine and Tustin, we're delivering lasting transportation solutions that will serve the region for years to come. Caltrans is turning long-term infrastructure funding into real, on-the-ground improvements for the thousands of motorists who depend on I-5 each day."

The project reflects OCTA's commitment to building a balanced, sustainable and multimodal transportation system. The approximately $716 million project is funded through a combination of local, state and federal sources, including OCTA's voter-approved Measure M half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

"These upgrades are about more than easing congestion, they are about improving quality of life and supporting economic vitality across Orange County," said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. "We appreciate the public's patience as construction gets underway and look forward to delivering long-term benefits for everyone who relies on this corridor."

Freeway construction will soon be under way, and drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed as work progresses. For more information about the I-5 from I-405 to SR-55 Improvement Project, visit https://www.octa.net/i-5project.

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