Ensuring Mobility on Freeways – Measure M Funding
You've probably noticed major changes on most of Orange County's freeways during the past 13 years. Since 1990, OCTA and Caltrans completed the following Measure M freeway projects:
Santa Ana Freeway (I-5 North) Measure M funds: $634.2 million
This major facelift included adding general purpose, carpool and auxiliary lanes in each direction; the I-5/SR-91 interchange was reconstructed; ramps, bridges, undercrossings and surface streets were improved to ease travel through Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Buena Park and Fullerton. This project began in 1996 and was completed in 2001.
El Toro Y Measure M funds: $67.9 million
Once the county's worst bottleneck, the El Toro Y is now a modern interchange with 26 lanes at the widest point. Congestion through Lake Forest, Tustin and Irvine was relieved with a new interchange, collector/distributor lanes, and carpool connectors between the I-5 and I-405. This project began in 1993 and was completed in 1997.
San Diego Freeway (I-5 South) Measure M funds: $50.8 million
A 12-mile section through San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Laguna Nigel and Laguna Hills was improved with new carpool and auxiliary lanes in each direction, most on- and off-ramps at interchanges were modified, and 12,000 feet of soundwalls were constructed for nearby residents. This project began in 1994 and was completed in 1996.
Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) Measure M funds: $48.4 million
Improvements through the cities of Santa Ana, Tustin, Orange and Anaheim included: adding new general purpose lanes in each direction; reconstructing eight crossings; reconfiguring eight on- and off-ramps at Chapman Avenue, and modifying interchanges at major freeways. This project began in 1995 and was completed in 2002.
