Caltrans District 12 reconstructed the Ortega Highway Interchange at the I-5 freeway in San Juan Capistrano. Construction began in February 2013 and was completed in late 2015. Crews widened the Ortega Highway Bridge, reconstructed on- and off-ramps, constructed a new northbound I-5 loop on-ramp from eastbound Ortega Highway as well as realigned the Ortega Highway/Del Obispo intersection. The project was initiated by Caltrans, OCTA and the City of San Juan Capistrano, as the solution to the I-5/Ortega Highway "choke point,” which regularly caused significant delays and congestion.

Project Improvements:

• Relieve traffic congestion to improve local traffic flow as well as ease regional commutes
• Improve traffic safety and operations at the I-5/Ortega Highway interchange
• Eliminate pre-existing geometric deficiencies
• Create consistency with pre-existing and planned local development