The Golden State Freeway (I-5) is the backbone of California’s freeway system, running north-south from the Mexico border to Oregon and then beyond to Canada. It is a key transportation route for the movement of people, goods and services throughout the state. Recognizing the importance of I-5’s economic role, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 7, serving Los Angeles and Ventura counties, is investing more than two billion dollars in improvements to the corridor.
As Southern California’s population grows, traffic volumes on I-5 continue to increase. To relieve congestion, Caltrans is improving two crucial segments of the corridor: between the Ventura Freeway (SR-134) and the Kern County line, and between the Orange County line and the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605). These segments are known as I-5 North and I-5 South, respectively.
The improvements listed below will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, encourage ridesharing, decrease surface street traffic and improve air quality:
High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) Lanes – Carpool lanes for vehicles with two or more passengers
Direct HOV Connectors – Carpool lane connections so motorists can travel from one freeway directly to another without leaving the HOV lane
Interchange Improvements – Upgraded on- and off-ramps, bridge widening and/or bridge reconstruction
Truck Lanes – New lanes designated for truck traffic
Pavement Replacement – Extends roadway life, reduces maintenance costs and closures, provides a smoother ride for motorists
Grade Separation – Bridge used to separate levels at which cars, trains, and/or pedestrians cross
Pedestrian Overcrossing – Bridge for pedestrians to cross over freeway
Most of these improvements are funded through a combination of federal, state and local resources. Additionally, several projects have been partially funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
