Diadon Enterprises © 2018

Groundbreaking marks start of I-5 widening project in Orange County (Calif.) | Dump Truck Company

Los Aliso Boulevard overpass over San Diego Freeway

Los Aliso Boulevard overpass over San Diego Freeway. Google Earth screen shot.

A groundbreaking ceremony on June 6 marked the beginning of a $581 million, 6.5-mile project that will add a lane of traffic in each direction to the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 5) in south Orange County, Calif., mynewsLA.com reports.

The project is aimed at easing congestion between Corona Del Mar Freeway (73) and El Toro Road, according to the news agency.

Most of the project’s funding will come from Measure M, with additional funding coming from state and federal grants.

Tthe project also includes improvements and widening of several streets around the freeway, including La Paz Road in Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills, Avery Parkway in Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel, and the overpass at Los Aliso Boulevard in Lake Forest and Laguna Hills.

“I’m excited to see this highly anticipated project get under way, and I’m looking forward to it bringing much-needed congestion relief to all those who travel on the I-5 through South County,” said La Habra Councilman Tim Shaw, the chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, according to the news agency. “This will allow Orange County residents and workers to spend less time in their cars and more time doing the important things in life.”

Work is expected to be completed by 2025.