ORANGE – Traffic relief is on the way for drivers as work wraps up on the I-5 Gateway project, a $335 million effort that has added two lanes in each direction on the Santa Ana Freeway near the county line.
State and local officials celebrated today during a dedication ceremony for the I-5 Gateway project, a partnership between the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
“Today is a great day for everyone who travels through north Orange County as we commemorate the completion of the I-5 Gateway project,” said OCTA Chairman Jerry Amante, also the mayor of Tustin. “This project is even more special because it closes the book on the successful Measure M freeway program, which for the last 20 years has delivered on every promise made to taxpayers.”
The original Measure M, a half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, was approved by voters in 1990 and will have provided $4 billion for freeway, streets, roads and transit projects by next year. Renewed by voters in 2006, Measure M2 will continue improving transportation in Orange County through 2041.
“The completion of the I-5 Gateway project signifies another milestone in the ongoing improvements that California is making in transportation,” said Caltrans District 12 Director Cindy Quon. “We are proud to work with our local and federal partners in delivering a project that will ease traffic congestion and allow everyone to get to their destinations more quickly and safely.”
Drivers may still see crews in the area as the finishing touches are added to the project, between the Riverside Freeway (SR-91) and the county line.
“The residents and businesses of Buena Park will benefit tremendously from the I-5 Gateway project ,” said Buena Park Mayor Art Brown, also an OCTA director. “I want to thank the community for the patience and support it has shown throughout the project and we all look forward to enjoying an easier drive.”
