The project in Los Alamitos will enhance on- and off-ramps and make traveling more efficient for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with Caltrans, is set to begin construction this week on the I-605/Katella Avenue Interchange Project, enhancing safety and making it easier to travel for everyone whether they’re driving, biking or walking.
Initial work is set to begin on Wednesday, June 25, with heavier construction and intermittent lane and ramp closures starting the week of July 7 to avoid traffic disruptions during the Independence Day holiday.
The project will modify existing on- and off- ramps, add curb ramps for easier sidewalk access and add Class II bike lanes (painted striping and signage) in each direction of Katella Avenue, all to enhance safety and improve connectivity.
The project is a key component of Orange County’s voter-approved Measure M, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, overwhelmingly renewed by voters in 2006.
The I-605/Katella Avenue Interchange Project aims to improve traffic operations, and provide safer access through a heavily traveled corridor in the City of Los Alamitos and surrounding communities.
“We are pleased to continue delivering on the promises made to improve our transportation network,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee, also the county’s Fourth District Supervisor. “This project is part of a holistic transportation approach that includes supporting public transit, active transportation, and improving streets and freeways to help people move more efficiently and safely throughout Orange County.”
The project cost is approximately $32 million, with $18 million in federal funding and $14 million from local sales tax funds. It’s scheduled to be finished by the end of 2026.
Initial work will include mobilization of construction equipment, daytime vegetation removal, and utility relocation. Nighttime work will focus on installing temporary concrete barriers, restriping Katella Avenue, and demolishing and reconstructing the center median on Katella Avenue/Willow Street between Coyote Creek Channel and the northbound ramps intersection.
Construction will generally occur on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. To minimize impacts to the traveling public, intermittent nighttime construction will also take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Nearby residents are advised that some activities may be noisy, and schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.
A rendering of planned improvements along Katella Avenue is available online to help the public better understand the scope and benefits of the project. Once construction is underway, an interactive map of closures and detours will be updated in real time.
For more information about the project, including updates and alerts, visit octa.net/605Katella.
The project reflects OCTA and Caltrans continued commitment to delivering transportation solutions that meet the evolving needs of Orange County residents and businesses. More information about the project is also available @605Katella on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.
