Continuous Access Carpool Lanes

Project Overview

A first in Southern California, the lanes span approximately 12 miles across the heart of Orange County, connecting carpoolers with the Interstate 405 on the west and State Route 55 on the east. Along the way, carpoolers can safely and easily access any number of destinations in the cities of Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster, Santa Ana and Orange. 

Easy In, Easy Out

Designed and operated much like general-purpose lanes, the SR-22 Continuous Access Carpool Lanes make carpooling easier and more inviting than ever before.

With continuous access, carpoolers can enter or exit at any point along the route. There's no reason to rush across several lanes of traffic to enter the carpool lanes. And there's no need to slow down to exit. In fact, continuous access lanes give you and your fellow passengers the freedom to change your mind and a new and/or unexpected destination along the way.

Evaluating for Possible Expansion

In June 2009, the Orange County Transportation Authority and the California Department of Transportation completed the State Route 22 Continuous Access HOV Survey. The purpose of the survey was to find out what commuters, both carpoolers and single drivers, thought about continuous access carpool lanes. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Here's a snapshot of opinions:

• Over 70% think continuous access lanes improve safety
• More than 2/3 think it improves travel times – for both carpoolers and single drivers alike
• 80% of respondents want continuous access lanes to continue to operate on the 22
• And more than 70% want to see continuous access lanes on other Orange County freeways

Nearly 1,100 Orange County households were surveyed. The survey was conducted in consultation with the Redhill Group, an Irvine-based market research firm specializing in transportation projects.

Next Steps – Continuous Access Coming to a Freeway Near You?

The SR-22 continuous access lanes have been very successful. Whether it's during the work week, or on the weekends, carpoolers love the freedom to enter and exit as necessary. The fact is that carpooling has never been easier!