ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans today began the public comment period on a draft environmental document that details proposed improvements to I-405 between I-5 and SR-55 through Irvine.
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 public also is invited to comment on the plans during a public hearing scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at University Community Park in Irvine. The open-house-style public hearing will help people learn about the proposed improvements and discuss study results including those related to traffic and soundwalls.
OCTA and Caltrans are looking to lessen congestion and enhance freeway operations for the 8.5-mile segment of the I-405. Alternatives include adding one or two regular lanes in each direction, adding auxiliary lanes and making various operational improvements.
There are three ways the public can submit comments. The first is by attending the open house on Dec. 5. Comments can also be e-mailed to D12.405-South-Improvement-Project@dot.ca.gov or comments can be mailed 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 Measure M freeway improvement program. Considering average daily traffic is expected to grow by 19 percent by 2050, OCTA and Caltrans are examining how to best help offset increased traffic congestion. Studies indicate the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment.
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.
Those who want to keep up with the project can join the email list by signing up at octa.net/getconnected.
