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I-5 South County Improvements Project

I-5 South County Improvements Project

This project was completed in 2025.

OCTA, in cooperation with Caltrans, improved I-5 between SR-73 and El Toro Road. The project improved 6.5 miles of I-5 through Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, and Lake Forest.

Project Overview

OCTA and Caltrans worked together to construct the I-5 Freeway Improvement Project from SR-73 to El Toro Road in south Orange County. The project spans 6.5 miles with new overhead signage, new sound and retaining walls and numerous other operational and technological upgrades.


Project Benefits

  • New regular lane was added in each direction of I-5 between Avery Parkway to Alicia Parkway

  • Extended second carpool lane from Alicia to El Toro Road in both directions as well as converted carpool lanes to continuous access

  • Reconstructed and improved Avery and La Paz Road interchanges New Los Alisos Boulevard Bridge, including improved sidewalks and bicycle lanes

  • New auxiliary lanes at seven locations

At a Glance

length
Corridor Cities
Total estimated cost
funding source
6.5 miles Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel $664 million Local, State and Federal funds