Home I-5 South County Improvements Project Completed I-5 South County Improvements Project Completed Posted: Thursday, April 17, 2025 Image Local and state officials gathered to celebrate the completion of the I-5 South County Improvements Project, a major milestone in enhancing mobility, safety, and connectivity through one of Southern California’s busiest freeway corridors. The $687 million project, led by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in partnership with Caltrans, spans 6.5 miles between State Route 73 and El Toro Road, benefiting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists traveling through Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, and Laguna Niguel. The improvements include a second carpool lane between Alicia Parkway and El Toro Road, a new regular lane in each direction, upgraded interchanges at La Paz Road, Avery Parkway, and Los Alisos Boulevard, and enhanced sidewalks and bike lanes for safer, more accessible travel. Decorative retaining walls were also added, highlighting South Orange County’s ranching heritage. With approximately 390,000 vehicles traveling this stretch of freeway each day, the upgrades are expected to ease congestion, improve travel times, and enhance overall safety. Funded primarily through Measure M, Orange County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation, and supported by state and federal funds, the project represents a successful partnership between OCTA, Caltrans, and the cities it serves. While some final landscaping and electrical work continues, all major freeway lanes and improvements are now open. For more information about the I-5 South County Improvements Project, visit www.octa.net/i5south.
