REGIONAL ROAD PROJECTS

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans),  the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are pursuing projects that will have some impact on residents and businesses in the City. At the 04/16/2019 City Council meeting, both agencies were invited to present informational updates to the Council about progress on their proposed regional roadway projects. Caltrans presented an update on the I-5/El Toro Road Interchange Project to City Council at the 07/18/2023 City Council meeting. Click here to see the presentation.

The City of Lake Forest is not a direct participant in making decisions about these projects but provides input on behalf of residents and businesses. If you would like to participate in public comments, public hearings, or upcoming workshops please visit the agency websites at the links below to find out more information on how you can voice your opinion and participate in the process.

PROJECT HISTORY

In February 2015, the Project Study Report (PSR) considered 15 alternatives, of which four build alternatives were recommended for further study. In May 2017, OCTA and Caltrans initiated the Environmental and Preliminary Engineering (PAED) phase. Two of the four alternatives were removed from further study.

From April-May 2019, a Draft Initial Study/Environmental Assessment (IS/EA) was circulated for public review for the proposed Project. Following this public review period, a consensus on a preferred alternative could not be achieved due to lack of local support. Hence, these alternatives will be eliminated from further consideration.

In October 2021, OCTA initiated an Alternatives Assessment Study in order to take “one more look” at the I-5/El Toro Road interchange, to see if there was any other alternative interchange configuration(s) that could be developed to handle the Southbound (SB) traffic existing at El Toro Road. The goal of the conceptual interchange configurations prepared during the Alternatives Assessment Study was to meet the Purpose & Need of the project, which would reduce traffic congestion, improve on & off-ramps operation (reduce off-ramp queuing), improve traffic flow, and traffic signal optimization for the SB traffic exiting at El Toro Road. This study looked at seven alternatives and recommended the following two Build Alternatives (under Project Alternatives below) for detailed evaluation. At the request of the Cities, Caltrans is also evaluating the Transportation System Management (TSM) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Alternative as a standalone build alternative as discussed below.

PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES

Four alternatives are proposed for consideration, one No Build and three Build Alternatives.

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative proposes no action, where no construction or improvements would be made to the I-5/El Toro Road Interchange apart from proposed projects that are under development or concurrently in construction. The No Build Alternative would not address the issues and deficiencies within the project limits.

Build Alternative AA-1

Alternative AA-1 proposes an additional I-5 SB off-ramp to independently serve El Toro Road EAST, and El Toro WEST. These two SB off-ramps are proposed in lieu of the one existing SB offramp. This is accomplished with a 2-lane I-5 SB off-ramp to El Toro Road that is split with one lane assigned to El Toro Road WEST, using the existing hook ramp, while one lane is assigned to El Toro Road EAST that is braided over the SB hook on-ramp. This ramp then travels over El Toro Road on a new bridge, and then ties into a realigned Avenida De La Carlota by the Laguna Hills Mall area. A new SB hook on-ramp is provided along the realigned Avenida De La Carlota. The existing SB direct on-ramp from El Toro Road is eliminated, while the existing access provided by the SB ramps, opposite Paseo De La Valencia, are maintained. The NB ramps would be in a similar configuration as today, with improvements made by I-5 Segment 3, which is currently under construction.

Build Alternative AA-5

Alternative AA-5 proposes an I-5 SB flyover off-ramp to independently serve El Toro Road EAST, and a separate hook off-ramp for El Toro WEST. This is accomplished with a 2-lane I-5 SB offramp to El Toro Road that is split with one lane assigned to El Toro Road WEST, using the existing hook ramp, while one lane is assigned to El Toro Road EAST that is a flyover that connects to both El Toro Road and Rockfield Boulevard. The flyover ramp connects into a roundabout that provides access to El Toro Road EAST, and provides access to Los Alisos Boulevard. Vehicles accessing El Toro Road EAST would have to make a right turn onto El Toro Road.

Build Alternative - Transportation System Management (TSM) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

OCTA and Caltrans will evaluate a standalone TSM/TDM Alternative. TSM strategies increase the efficiency of existing facilities; they are actions that increase the number of vehicle trips a facility can carry without increasing the number of through lanes. Examples of TSM strategies for this project include ramp metering, signal timing, signal coordination, and intersection technology.

TDM focuses on regional means of reducing the number of vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled as well as increasing vehicle occupancy. As an example, a regional agency could actively promote ridesharing, maintain rideshare databases, and provide limited rideshare services to employers and individuals.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

OCTA and Caltrans will host two public scoping meetings to gather input from the public, resource agencies, and stakeholders on the depth and breadth of issues that should be addressed in the environmental document. The Public Scoping Meetings are:

Wednesday, July 26, at the Lake Forest Community Center from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. This meeting is in-person.

Thursday, August 3, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. This meeting is virtual. Click here to register. 

The public can submit comments on the I-5/El Toro Road Interchange Project no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2023. Comments can be submitted in any of the following formats:

• Via mail to Emily Czaban, ICF, 49 Discovery, Suite 250, Irvine, California 92618
• Email comments to ElToro@dot.ca.gov with the subject line "I-5 El Toro Road Interchange Project".
• A certified Court reporter will be present at both the in-person and virtual scoping meetings to transcribe comments verbatim.

Go to www.octa.net/i5eltoro for more information on the project, including the draft environmental document.