I-5 Multi-Asset Project

The stretch of I-5, from near State Route 74 to I-405, is a vital transportation corridor facing significant infrastructure needs, impacting not only the safety and efficiency of daily travel but also the well-being of maintenance crews and highway reliability. 

By investing in comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization, the project will enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, improve traffic flow, and ensure the long-term serviceability of the highway. This work is essential for supporting economic activity, protecting all commuters, and preparing the corridor for future demands.

Background

This section of I-5 is operating under the following conditions:

• The existing pavement needs rehabilitation strategy to prevent further deterioration.
• Drainage facilities have lost their serviceability due to wear and degradation.
• Covered soffit lightings are in need to be replaced with wall mounted/light poles for safe access.
• Work crews are often exposed to live traffic to conduct repairs and maintenance work.
• Sign panels have lost reflectivity and are in need to be more conspicuous and legible to motorists.
• Inadequate crosswalk and lane striping, and lack of lighting at conflicting zones for pedestrians/bicyclists.
• Lack of monitoring stations to collect traffic data.

Location

Along the I-5, within the cities of San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Irvine, and unincorporated areas between El Horno Street to I-405.

Objectives

1. Extend the service life expectancy of the existing pavement, improve the ride quality, pavement serviceability, safety characteristics, and structural integrity of the roadway.
2. Improve the serviceability and flow capacity of the existing drainage systems.
3. Provide safe-access roads during repetitive maintenance activities.
4. Minimize exposure of highway workers to traffic and reduce recurrent maintenance activities.
5. Improve sign panels’ reflectivity.
6. Improve accessibility, striping, and lighting to pedestrian/bicyclist facilities.
7. Provide the ability to collect traffic data.

Benefits

This project will extend the life expectancy of the pavement, restore the drainage system, upgrade lighting, improve roadside access roads, replace overhead sign panels, improve complete street elements and install monitoring stations along the I-5 corridor within the project limits.

Cost

Project Cost: $35.1 million.

The project is funded through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP).

Key Dates

• Construction start: January 2026
• Construction end: January 2028

How does this work affect you?

Current Closures and Detours

Lanes are temporarily reduced at certain locations for construction. Lane operations will return to normal after work is finished. Traffic signals have been adjusted to ease congestion.

• Northbound I-5 off-ramp to Junipero Serra (expected completion in May)

• I-5 on-ramps at Oso Parkway (expected completion in early August) 

Stay Connected 

Follow Caltrans District 12 on X, Threads, Facebook and Instagram: @CaltransOC.

For real time traffic updates, please use Quickmap, which can be accessed at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact

Christianne Smith

Public Information Officer

Christianne.Smith@dot.ca.gov

(424) 413-1104