Deadline Looms for Public to Comment on 405 Widening Plans

Gridlock-weary drivers still have a few days to speak their piece about plans to widen the 405 Freeway between the 73 and the 605 freeways.

The public comment period on the environmental effects of the San Diego Freeway Improvement Project — a proposal that transportation officials say could ease traffic — ends July 17.

“The major goal is to reduce congestion and improve travel times, and to get as many cars and as many vehicles through that freeway in the smallest amount of time possible,” said Orange County Transportation Authority spokesman Joel Zlotnik.

To view the draft Environmental Impact Report, click here.

On May 18, Caltrans and OCTA, which are partnering on the project, presented three construction alternatives, plus a "no build" option to leave things as they are now. 

The Three Alternatives for the 405

• Add two lanes: one in each direction from Euclid Street to the 605.
• Add four lanes: one in each direction from Euclid to the 605, plus a southbound lane from the Seal Beach Boulevard on-ramp to Brookhurst Street and a northbound lane from Brookhurst to the 22 Freeway/7th street interchange.
• Add two general-purpose lanes: one in each direction from Euclid to the 605, and add two toll lanes: one in each direction from the 73 to the 605.

To comment on the project, click here. 

Under the toll lane plan, drivers with one passenger or going solo would be charged to use the lane, while drivers with two or more passengers could use the lane for free or at a discounted rate.

If a construction alternative is selected, OCTA staff expects work to begin in 2014 and take about four and a half years.

According to OCTA, the 405 is one of the most congested freeways in the county, carrying more than 300,000 vehicle trips in some sections each day.

By 2040, traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly and the population is expected to grow 11 percent.

For the Orange County Transportation Authority web page on the project, click here.