Draft Environmental Document

The public comment period for the Draft Environmental Document has now closed. We appreciate everyone who took the time to learn about the project and provide input.

Project Overview

OCTA and Caltrans are conducting an environmental review for the I-5 El Toro Road Interchange project. This interchange experiences congestion and delays due to traffic queuing at the intersections of the on- and off-ramps and local streets. The proposed project is intended to address congestion and enhance freeway operations to improve local and regional mobility.

The project is in the environmental phase and includes one No Build and two Build Alternatives.

Proposed Improvements

No Build Alternative

This alternative proposes no improvements to I-5 El Toro Road Interchange, maintaining existing conditions.

Build Alternative 1: Southbound I-5 Hook Ramps

This Build Alternative proposes to replace the existing southbound I-5 on- and off-ramps with a hook ramp along Avenida De La Carlota. This would include new ramp alignments, a new bridge over El Toro Road, and realignment of Avenida de la Carlota.

Design Variation: Build Alternative 1A is an additional design option proposed for Build Alternative 1 that includes the described improvements as well as a new public street connecting to the Village of Laguna Hills development at the proposed Southbound I-5/Avenida de la Carlota intersection.

Build Alternative 3: TSM/TDM Intelligent Transportation Systems

This Build Alternative proposes a standalone installation of intelligent transportation systems to improve traffic signal synchronization.

Anticipated Schedule