Improving Travel on the Orange Freeway (SR-57)
Orange Freeway (SR-57) Proposed Improvements
SR-57 Northbound Widening Project - Orangethorpe Avenue to Lambert Road
Project Description
The Orange Freeway (SR-57) is an important truck route and an integral part of Southern California’s freeway network. In an effort to improve traffic flow, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 12, is adding a lane to the northbound SR-57 between Orangethorpe Avenue in Placentia and Lambert Road in Brea.
Proposed Improvements
Currently, drivers experience substantial traffic congestion during peak afternoon hours along this five-mile stretch. Improvements would include the addition of one general-purpose lane along with merging lanes and reconfiguration of certain on-ramps and off-ramps.
Technical studies indicate that relocation of some existing soundwalls and construction of new soundwalls may be needed within the project corridor.
Key Objectives
• Improve existing and future mobility by reducing congestion
• Increase traffic flow and safety for the 144,000 to 158,000 vehicles projected to travel this section of the freeway daily
• Facilitate the flow of goods and services via SR-57
• Achieve a major component of the Renewed Measure M Freeway Improvement Plan
• Conform to state, regional and local plans and policies
Next Steps
The Public Review/Comment Period for the Initial Study was completed and the project was approved in December 2007. Design plans, specifications and estimates are now being developed in preparation for the construction phase to begin in 2010.
Other SR-57 Improvements
A second segment of the SR-57 from Katella Avenue to Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim also is slated for improvements. Currently, the Katella-Lincoln segment is in the environmental phase and construction is scheduled to follow approximately a year after the Orangethorpe-Lambert segment begins construction in late 2010.
Information
For more information, visit the project website at www.octa.net/sr57 or contact Marissa Espino of OCTA at (714) 560-5607 or by e-mail at SR57NorthboundWidening@octa.net.
Anticipated Timeline
Project Approval December 2007
Design Begins January 2008
Construction Begins Fall 2010
Freeway Improvements
Open to the Public Fall 2014
Funding Source
The estimated total cost of the project is $140 million. Project funding sources are the Corridor Mobility Improvement Account (CMIA) Program funds and Orange County Renewed Measure M – the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements approved by Orange County voters in 2006.