With funding now approved, Caltrans is preparing to issue contracts for a major freeway project which will significantly affect the local traffic patterns. Dubbed the “West County Connector Project”, the construction will connect and enlarge the carpool lanes from I405, I605, and the 22 freeways. While this project will undoubtedly improve this hub of congestion for those motorists transiting our communities, local drivers will not see much benefit and will face major congestion during the construction.
The project has an East phase which is from Valley View Street to just east of Seal Beach Boulevard and a West portion which is from Seal Beach Boulevard through I605. The contract for the East section should be awarded this month, with construction starting in June. The contract for the West section of the project should be awarded in August with construction starting this fall.
"We are looking forward to seeing this vital transportation project get under way to bring relief to drivers in Orange County and provide much-needed jobs for the construction sector," said OCTA Chairman Jerry Amante, who is also mayor of Tustin. "Creating employment opportunities through infrastructure projects like the West County Connectors is a critical component in rebuilding our economy."
Of course, living in Tustin, it is unlikely that Mr. Amante will have much trouble with all the congestion which will result from the construction. Unfortunately, to make this project happen, the Valley View and the Seal Beach Blvd. bridges over the 405 will lose lanes during their respective 10 month construction periods. Not only that, the bridges will be completely closed for a few days during initial demolition and the 7th street on ramp will be out of service as well.
Once the project is finished, there will be at least one improvement for local drivers. Today, a driver faces a real challenge when entering the South I405 from Seal Beach Blvd. Unless you want to go East on the Garden Grove Freeway, SR 22, vehicles entering the Southbound I 405 at Seal Beach Blvd., must quickly cross several lanes of fast moving traffic in order to remain on I405. The challenge is even more fun if you want to get into the carpool lane on I405. The good news is the carpool lane entry point will be moved further South, giving drivers entering at Seal Beach Blvd. more time to get over to the car pool lane.
According to the official press release, the West County Connector project will:
Construct direct carpool connectors at the SR-22/I-405 and I-405/I-605
Add a second carpool lane in each direction on I-405 between SR-22 and the I-605
Eliminate weaving across general purpose lanes to and from carpool lanes
Reconstruct Valley View St. and Seal Beach Blvd. and on- and off-ramps
Construct soundwalls and retaining walls in various locations
Add landscaping and enhance aesthetic elements
Stay tuned to www.OC180NEWS.com as the details about specific road/lane closures become known. The first major local disruption will be the closing of the Valley View bridge. We will publish dates and other details when they are available.
