The Costa Mesa Freeway is all set for a four-mile expansion, on the stretch I-55 and I-405 freeways. Estimated to cost $475 million, the project was approved by voters through measure M, and will add a single carpool lane as well as a single regular lane in each direction of SR-55, officially known as the Interstate 55.
Right now, there are four lanes on SR-55, and one carpool lane for each direction. Despite this, the roughly 260,000 drivers using the south and north directions, has caused a situation where the area is now known for its heavy vehicular congestion.
In anticipation over the groundbreaking of this project, Irvine has made use of social media towards generating some awareness surrounding the project. The post also covered optional methods people can use to stay abreast of developments. The project also has a Twitter page set up as its official face.
As for the location of construction initiation, an OCTA spokesperson clarified that in subsequent weeks, drivers would be let know of upcoming construction through “staging”, which would start showing up from next month.
“Construction staging will take place first and actual construction that drivers will see will begin as early as mid-August. The contractor will determine where in the segment the work will be done first and stakeholders will be informed as the schedule is refined,” OCTA wrote. “During construction, all freeway lanes are expected to remain open during the day, though some lanes may need to be closed during overnight hours.”
The expected date of completion of the project is 2026.