LA's I-605 Gets $175M Upgrade to Ease Congestion
OCTA begins $175M I-605/Katella interchange reconstruction funded by Measure M through 2028
OCTA Starts $175M I-605 Interchange Work
Orange County commuters face years of construction as the Orange County Transportation Authority begins a $175 million reconstruction of the I-605/Katella Avenue interchange. The project started Tuesday and won't finish until 2028, transit officials said. Darrell E. Johnson, OCTA Chief Executive Officer, said the improvements will enhance safety and reduce congestion for thousands of daily commuters who use this corridor.
Measure M Funding Enables Major Upgrade
The interchange project's funded entirely through Measure M, Orange County's voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. OCTA's Board of Directors approved the construction contract in November 2024, clearing the way for work to begin. The project demonstrates how local funding mechanisms allow agencies to tackle major infrastructure needs without waiting for state or federal dollars. Kia Mortazavi, Executive Director of Planning, said OCTA worked closely with Caltrans and local stakeholders to design an interchange that'll serve the community for decades.
Reconstruction Targets Traffic Flow and Safety
The project will reconstruct the interchange where Interstate 605 meets Katella Avenue to improve traffic flow and safety at this critical junction. Officials didn't provide specific details about lane configurations, ramp improvements, or bridge work included in the reconstruction. The interchange serves thousands of daily commuters, though exact traffic volume figures weren't available. Officials said the improvements address longstanding congestion and safety concerns at this location where commuters access both the interstate and local arterial roads.
Three-Year Construction Timeline Ahead
Construction began June 24, 2025, with completion expected in 2028, giving the project a roughly three-year timeline. Officials haven't released detailed information about construction phasing, lane closures, or specific detour routes that'll be in place during the work. Commuters should expect delays and plan alternative routes during construction, though the agency didn't specify which periods will see the most significant traffic impacts.
Commuters Should Plan for Extended Delays
Drivers who regularly use the I-605/Katella interchange should prepare for disruptions throughout the three-year construction period. Officials said detailed traffic impact information and construction updates will be available as work progresses. Moovit provides real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions for Orange County commuters navigating construction zones.
