Your Chance to Speak Up on Potential Remedies to I-405 Traffic Congestion
The San Diego Freeway (I-405) is a vital link for residents, businesses, and commuters alike. Today the I-405 is one of the most congested freeways in Orange County, carrying more than 300,000 vehicle trips per day.
What will traffic on the I-405 look like in five or even 10 years…and what should be done about it?
That is the question the Orange County Transportation Authority is asking local residents as part of its public involvement and outreach program in support of OCTA’s I-405 Major Investment Study. The 18-month study will result in a list of possible improvements for the busy I-405 and local streets between the Corona del Mar Freeway (SR-73) in Costa Mesa and the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) at the Los Angeles County line.
Now’s Your Chance to Speak Up!
OCTA planners have unveiled potential remedies for unclogging the most congested part of the San Diego Freeway (I-405) and have made them available for public comment through its Web site (www.octa.net/405MIS.asp).
The alternatives were shown recently to local residents, business people and city leaders at an open house in Fountain Valley.
The alternatives are presented as a series of illustrations of various physical and travel time improvements that can be achieved either within the current freeway right-of-way, or by “building out” or “building up” along the corridor. The concepts include adding general-purpose lanes, carpool lanes, tolled or non-tolled expressway lanes, transit guideways, or a combination of these. In addition to physical improvements to the freeway itself, alternatives include technological improvements to improve traffic flow, such as ramp metering. All of the options were developed with the help of local residents, commuters and community leaders in the area.
Highlights include:
- Widening the I-405, which is six lanes at its widest, by one lane in each direction.
- Building a mass-transit route down the center of the freeway.
- Building elevated carpool lanes or Express Lanes above the existing road.
- Adding additional carpool lanes and opening them to solo drivers who would be willing to pay a toll.
Tell us what you think: Go to http://www.octa.net/405MIS.asp to give us your opinion before Wednesday, June 30, 2004. View the conceptual alternatives and complete a survey to let us know what you think about the potential remedies. To obtain a hard copy, call 714-560-5405 or e-mail csilverberg@octa.net.
OCTA Now Moves into Important Phase – Urges Residents to Stay Informed
OCTA is now preparing aerial photomaps of the I-405 freeway corridor with overlays of the new corridor “footprint” that might result should various options be selected for further study. It is critical for the public to stay informed and to pay close attention as OCTA examines the impact that various options may have on adjacent businesses and residences.
According to the technical team many of the options appear to have little or no impact on residents and business owners. The potential is there however especially with those widening concepts that might require right of way acquisitions in some places.
Members of the public have indicated a desire for OCTA to make improvements in the existing freeway right of way first before building elevated structures or widening the freeway. OCTA plans to present the footprint maps to the public in the Fall.
For More Information
- For more information call 714-560-5405 or e-mail csilverberg@octa.net.
- To arrange a presentation about the I-405 Major Investment Study to your club, business or neighborhood association, call 714-560-5972.
