OCTA, in cooperation with Caltrans, is improving the local interchange at Interstate 605 and Katella Avenue to improve mobility, smooth traffic flow, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Construction Activities

Construction on Katella Avenue – Plan Ahead for Delays

Construction is underway and generally occurs Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Intermittent night work from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. may be required for certain activities.

WHAT:
Crews are preparing to construct a new bike lane on westbound Katella Avenue. Lanes on westbound Katella were restriped and temporary concrete barriers were installed to create a work area for crews to demolish the sidewalk and continue underground utility work.

Beginning early September, crews are expected to close the outside lane on eastbound Katella between the freeway and Epson Way to begin preliminary activities as they prepare to construct a bike lane on this side of the street.

Sidewalk Access

Sidewalk access on westbound Katella is closed. Signs are in place detouring pedestrians and bicyclists to use the sidewalk on eastbound Katella, which will be maintained throughout construction.

Center Median Update

Reconstruction of the center median beneath I-605 that began in July was recently completed and features a raised brick style island median.

Vegetation Removal Update

Crews have completed vegetation and tree removal around the northbound and southbound I-605 on- and off-ramps as well as along portions of Katella Avenue. The project requires landscape removals where they conflict with construction activities or project improvements. Plans are in place for vegetation reinstatement once construction concludes, during what is referred to as a “Plant Establishment Period.” The new landscaping will feature a variety of plant materials, including young trees such as Lemon Gum, Canary Island Pine, California Sycamore, and Silk Tree, as well as select shrubs and ground cover near the on- and off-ramps.

Closures and Detours

Please plan ahead and expect delays during these times. Nighttime closures typically occur between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Specific closures for the week of Sept. 2 include:

• Inside lane on eastbound and westbound Katella Avenue/Willow Street, at least one lane will be open to traffic at all times
• Northbound I-605 on-ramp from eastbound/westbound Katella Avenue - click here to view detour
• Northbound I-605 loop and straight off-ramps to eastbound and westbound Katella Avenue - click here to view detour
• Southbound I-605 loop off-ramp to eastbound Katella Avenue - click here to view detour
• Southbound I-605 loop and straight on-ramps from Katella Avenue - click here to view detour

This work may be loud. The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen operational issues.

Rendering of Improvements along Katella Avenue

The rendering above highlights planned improvements along Katella Avenue between Coyote Creek Channel and Epson Way. Key features include:

• Reconfiguration of the northbound on- and off-ramps into a T-intersection
• Addition of Class II bike lanes with hatched markings to indicate bike lane transitions
• Installation of a new traffic signal at the northbound I-605/Katella Avenue off-ramp, along with upgraded signals at nearby intersections
• Painted crosswalks and newly constructed sidewalks to enhance pedestrian access and safety

Community Outreach

As part of its comprehensive public awareness campaign, the Public Outreach team is offering opportunities for the community to learn more about the project, its benefits, construction activities, and potential impacts. These include:

• Public webinars
• Neighborhood meetings
• Project briefings and presentations
• Project booths at community events

Construction Closures & Detours