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Home My WebLink AboutRPT 1 I-5 WIDENING 01-07-91DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DECEMBER 26, 1990 WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER REPORTS NO. 1 1-7-91 Inter - Com PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION PROJECT STATUS UPDATE - I-5 WIDENING AT REDHILL AVENUE RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Receive and file. DISCUSSION: Engineering Division staff met with representatives from Caltrans and the Tustin Police and Orange County Fire Departments to discuss the status of the I-5 widening project, and the schedule and public awareness program planned for the ramp closures at Red Hill Avenue. Based upon the discussions at that meeting, the following is a summary of the Red Hill Avenue Ramp closures planned by Caltrans at I-5: a) January 14, 1991 Close all I-5 on and off ramps at Red Hill Avenue. Turn off the traffic signals at Red Hill Avenue and the two ramp intersections. b) January 21, 1991 Restripe Red Hill Avenue between Nisson Road and E1 Camino Real to provide one lane in each direction. The width reduction is necessary to accommodate planned construction. c) March 1991 Open south bound on and north bound off ramps at Tustin Ranch Road. d) July 1991 Open Nisson Road to traffic. e) September 1991 Open North bound on and south bound off ramps at Red Hill Avenue. f) March 1992 Open all ramps at Red Hill Avenue. THE EFFORTS THAT WILL BE MADE BY CALTRANS TO NOTIFY THE PUBLIC ARE AS FOLLOWS: a) December 28, 1990 Information newsletter mailed to 80,000 residences. b) December 28, 1990 Post notice signs on highway. c) January 7, 1991 Mail 32,000 Hot Sheets including map and alternate route information, to businesses and targeted residences. d) January 8, 1991 News release to area newspapers and broadcast outlets. e) January 11 & 12, Personal hand delivery of information Hot 1991 Sheets to businesses on Red Hill Avenue, and adjacent highways. Staff is exploring the feasibility of implementing a "Freeway construction Hotline" for residents to call for information. The recorded message on this Hotline would be updated as conditions change and provide suggested alternate routes for the residents and other motorists. Attached is a schedule of the Red Hill Avenue ramp closures and drafts of news releases that Caltrans proposes to issue. Also attached is a copy of the latest quarterly Caltrans publication on Freeway construction. Bob Ledendecker Director of Public Works/City Engineer BL: BJ: cr Attachments THE RED HILL CLOSURE PUBLIC AWARENESS PLAN: The following deadlines need to be adhered to for full public awarness. DEC. 28 — Newsletter with lede story about Red Hill mails to 80,000 residences. DEC. 29 DEC. 30 DEC. 31— Discuss sign placement and alternate route directions with project R.E. JAN. 1— NEW YEAR'S DAY (Holiday) JAN. 2 — City Councils and staffs briefed in Irvine and Tustin briefed between today and 1/8. JAN. 3 JAN. 4 JAN. 5 JAN. 6 JAN. 7 — Hot sheet mailing to 32,000 residents and businesses in targeted ZIP codes. Hot sheet must include map and alternate route information; need mechanical by 12/18 to get approval, print and mail by 1/7. Also, make first calls to major broadcast outlets beginning today through 1/12. JAN. 8 — LAT, Register, Irvine World News, Tustin News and Flight Jacket alerted and urged to report about the closure before it goes into effect. Flight Jacket needs written info on or before the Friday prior to publication. Last day to brief city councils. JAN. 9 JAN. 10 JAN. 11— Hot sheets walked to businesses most affected by closure, with additional copies dropped off for ETCs at larger businesses in the area. Must be done no later than l/ 12. All major businesses and institutions contacted by phone. JAN. 12 -- Last day to make calls to broadcast outlets. Also last day to phone businesses. JAN 13 JAN. 14 — CLOSURE BEGINS JAN. 15 -- Write thank -you letters from Mr. Lightcap to various VIPs. PUBLIC AWARENESS/INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ELEMENTS FOR RED HILL RAMP CLOSURE In roughly chronological order: * Lede story in 102 newsletter with map. Newsletter will mail 12/28 to 80,000 residences. * Discuss sign placement and alternate route directions with project R.E. Do this before the first of the year. * City Councils and staffs briefed in Irvine and Tustin. This needs to be done between 1/2 and 1/8. * Hot sheet mailing to 32,000 residents and businesses in targeted ZIP codes. Hot sheet must include map and alternate route information; need mechanical by 12/18 to get approval, print and mail by 1/7. * Hot sheets walked to businesses most affected by closure, with additional copies dropped off for ETCs at larger businesses in the area. Must be done after briefing city councils but no later than 1/11. * LAT, Register, Irvine World News, Tustin News and Flight Jacket alerted and urged to report about the closure before it.goes into effect. Make calls 1/7. Flight Jacket needs written info on or before the Friday prior to publication. Follow-up calls to all media outlets after closure. * Major broadcast media outlets alterted and urged to report about the closures before they go into effect. First calls on or around 11/7. Last-minute calls by 1/12. Follow-up calls to all media after the closure. * Write thank -you letters from Mr. Lightcap to various VIPs. FINAL VERSION News release draft copy 102-0243 NEWLEDE2 Brooks hard drive JAN. 11 1991 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Marian Hofstad xxx-xxxx Red Hill ramp closures planned; alternate routes strongly urged Motorists using the Red Hill on or offramps along the I-5 will need to find alternate routes beginning Monday, January 14, when Caltrans closes the ramps as part of the I-5 widening project. The northbound Red Hill onramp and the southbound offramp will be closed until Fall 1991; the northbound I-5 offramp and southbound onramp are scheduled to reopen in Summer 1992. Because the freeway, ramps and road are being realigned, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction along Red Hill between Nisson Road and El Camino Real. As an alternate route, Caltrans urges motorists to use the onramps at Newport Boulevard or the newly -completed on and offramps at the Jamboree Road/I-5 interchange. "Caltrans regrets any inconvenience, and is working to complete construction quickly," said Marian Hofstad, Cal- trans spokeswoman. "By avoiding the construction area and using alternate routes, drivers can avoid delays and frustration." News release draft copy 102-0243 NEWLEDE2 Brooks hard drive The ramp closures are the latest step in the I-5 widening project, which will widen the aging freeway from three to six lanes in each direction. For more information about the widening project or any Caltrans project in Orange County, call the Caltrans Helpline at 768-4CAL. --- 30 --- Newsletter final copy 102-0243 NEWLEDE / 822.90 / Rev. 10.2.90 / 2nd Rev. 11.24.90 / Brooks hard drive Red Hill ramp closures planned; alternate routes strongly urged Motorists using the Red Hill on or offramps along the I-5 will need to find alternate routes beginning Monday, January 14, when Caltrans closes the ramps as part of the I-5 widening project. The northbound Red Hill onramp and the southbound offramp will be closed until Fall 1991; the northbound I-5' offramp and southbound onramp are scheduled to reopen in Summer 1992. Because the freeway, ramps and road are being realigned, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction along Red Hill between Nisson Road and El Camino Real. As an alternate route, Caltrans urges motorists to use the onramps at Newport Boulevard or the newly -completed on and offramps at the Jamboree Road/I-5 interchange. "Caltrans regrets any inconvenience, and is working to complete construction quickly," said Marian Hofstad, Cal- trans spokeswoman. "By avoiding the construction area and Newsletter final copy 102-0243 NEWLEDE / 8.22.90 / Rev. 10.2.90 / 2nd Rev. 11.24.90 / Brooks hard drive using alternate routes, drivers can avoid delays and frustration." The ramp closures are the latest step in the I-5 widening project, which will widen the aging freeway from three to six lanes in each direction. For more information about the widening project or any Caltrans project in orange County, call the Caltrans Helpline at 768-4CAL. --- 30 --- "Smart Drivers"' Update of the 1-5/SR-55 Widening Projects Red Hill Ramp Closures Planned; AlMmate Route Strongly Urged Motorists using the Red Hill on or offramps along the I-5 will need to find alternate routes beginning Monday, January 14, when Caltrans closes the ramps as part of the I-5 widening project. The northbound Red Hill onramp and the southbound Offramp will be closed 'until Fall 11; the northbound 1-5 offramp A southbound onramp are scheduled to reopen in Summer 1992. Because the freeway, ramps and road are being realigned, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction along Red Hill between Nisson Road and El Camino Real. As an alternate route, Caltrans urges motorists to use the onramps at Newport Avenue or the newly - completed on and offramps at the Jamboree Road/1-5 interchange. "Caltrans regrets any inconve- nience, and is working to complete construction quickly," said Marian 4th Street Tustin Bridge closed v until late 1991 Bo�� Santa Ana Q� N G Tustin Ranch Road L- ♦ -� opens Spring 1991 LL �J0 °gym �a� P,° -�♦ °a MCAS Tustin `O All Redhill/ 1-5 on and offramps ,ill close beginning January 14. Redhill will reduced to one lane in each direction. Use alternate ramps at Jamboree or Newport Avenue. Hofstad, Caltrans spokeswoman. "By avoiding the construction area and using alternate routes, drivers can avoid delays and frustration." The ramp closures are the latest step in the I-5 widening project, which will widen the aging freeway from three to six lanes in each direction. For more information about the widening project or any Caltrans project in Orange County, call the Caltrans Helpline at 76& 4CAL. What You Can Do to Help Even through Caltrans has eased congestion on the freeways under construction, driving through these areas requires extra care. Everything from keeping an eye out for construction workers to taking alternate routes and ridesharing can help make the work go smoother — and that means quicker freeway improvements. To help out during construc- tion, drivers can: Slow down. Be aware of construction going / on around you and ENTERING drive defensively. CONSTRUCTION Allow some extra space between your- ZONE self and the vehicle in front of you, and always \ be on the alert for construe - tion workers and equipment. Continued on Next Page --Tune in. Local newspaper, radio I television reports are a great -jurce of up-to-the-minute information on weekly construction schedules and traffic information. Additionally, CalRadio AM 530 provides round-the-clock advisories on planned ramp and lane closures Ap sV; caused by construction in Orange County. The California Highway Patrol also broadcasts peak -hour traffic reports for all county freeways over CalRadio. Avoid the peak. By staying off the freeways whenever possible during the critical 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. periods, you can help ease congestion and tame the Snarl. Talk to your employer "The Peak" 6-9 a.m. -6 P.M. about how flexible scheduling can help clear the roads and improve your company's bottom line. Caltrans will be doing its part to ease peak -hour congestion by scheduling construction at other times whenever possible. Rideshare. Whether you do it a little or a lot, ridesharing is one of the most effective ways commuters can tame the traffic Snarl. Ridesharing saves time because car -rid vanpoolers can use the carpool les and many companies offer preferential parking to employees involved in such programs. Talk to your company's Em- ployee Transportation Coordinator about the many ridesharing pro- grams available, or call 636 -RIDE and the Orange County Transit District's Commuter Network will match you with someone who's going your way. OCTD will also show you the best bus route to take or refer you to a vanpool. Telecommute. More and more, people are using the telephone to hold meetings, order goods, deliver services and do all sorts of work. Combined with a computer, the telephone can eliminate the daily commute altogether by letting you work at home. use your feet. If you live close to work or shopping, try getting there under your own power. Bicycle commuters and walkers save the cost of gas, oil, insurancle and other vehicle operating costs, an get to squeeze a litt exercise into their busy schedules. Hoftheet Program Nel s Calfrans Gef the Wo�out As Caltrans builds more and more road improvements in Orange County, getting the word out about lane closures, detours and other construction activities has become increasingly important The solution? Hotsheets. Hotsheets are one-page up- dates of construction activity that may cause delays or detours for motorists. Once it has been deter- mined that a construction activity may cause delays or detours, Caltrans produces a Hotsheet that includes a description of the project, an explanation of why the project is needed, directions for avoiding the project and a telephone number for more information. "The goal of the Hotsheet program is two -fold," said Marian Hofstad, Caltrans spokeswoman. "It lets residents know what's happening in their area and identifies ways they can avoid the activity during their driving. Not only does it save them the trouble of driving through a construction zone, but having fewer cars in the construction area means workers can complete the project faster." JAI P"vegvenfly Asked Questions kegprding the 5/55 Construction Project Q. What is the I-5 (Santa Ana Freeway) widening project.? A. The rebuilding of the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) from the El Toro "Y" to the I-5/57/22 interchange is a five-year project that will ultimately widen the freeway from three lanes in each direction to 6 lanes in each direction. Work has already begun on the I-5 from the El Toro "Y" north to Newport Avenue. In addition, preliminary work involved in constructing the new 5/55 Interchange has also begun. In conjunction with the freeway widening work, Caltrans has removed and will rebuild bridges and interchanges along the 5 and Freeways, and within the next dears a modern new inter- ,nge will replace the old 5/55 Interchange. Q. How wide will the I-5 be when completed? A. Twelve lanes (six lanes in each direction) will replace the existing six lanes. The freeway will include four mixed -flow lanes, one carpool lane and one auxiliary lane in each direction. Q. Why do we need the project.? A. The I-5 is one of the oldest freeways in the state. Built in the 1950s to rural standards for a county half our current size, it just can't handle today's traffic - especially during rush hours. By the early 1970s, average peak -hour travel speed throughout the 45 -mile length of the freeway in Orange County had dropped from over 50 ss than 20 miles per hour. Q. When will the project be completed? A. Widening of the freeway from the El Toro "Y" north to 17th Street and the rebuilding of the 5/55 Interchange is expected to be completed by 1994. Plans for the widening of the I-5 from the 5/55 Interchange north to the Santa Ana/Garden Grove/Route 57 Interchange have been completed and construction is expected to begin in mid-1991. Q. What is being done to improve the I-5/SR-55 Interchange? A.The 5/55 project consists of the complete rebuilding of the interchange to make way for a modern new connector of transitways and fly -over ramps. The project, which will help ease congestion on this heavily traveled section of the I-5, will be completed in three stages: ► The first stage included widening the SR -55 Freeway south of the interchange to Dyer Road; Stage II widens the SR 55 Freeway north of the interchange to 17th Street and includes some work on I-5 north and south of the interchange; and The final stage, to begin in late 1991, involves reconstruction of the freeway -to -freeway connectors, the widening of the I-5 from Newport Avenue to Fourth Street and the addition of a direct transitway connector between the carpool lanes on the SR -55 to those on the I-5. CAI The second part of the inter- change project, Stage II, is now underway and includes the recon- struction of four major bridges: the First and Fourth Street bridges over the I-5 and the First and Fourth Street bridges over SR -55. All four bridges will be closed, removed and rebuilt. The Fourth Street bridges were closed first, followed by the First Street bridges later in 1991. Each phase will take approximately 12 to 15 months. Q. Will ramps in the area of the 5/55 Interchange close? For how long? A. The Fourth Street bridges over the I-5 in Santa Ana and SR -55 have been demolished and are now under reconstruction for 12 to 15 months, from late summer 1990 through mid-1991. Other Fourth Street on and offramps will also close at various times during this period. When the Fourth Street bridge project is completed and the bridges reopen, the First Street bridges over the I-5 in Santa Ana and SR -55 in Tustin will be closed for 12-15 months for reconstruction. The First Street offramp from the I-5 will be permanently closed. Freeway lanes and various other ramps between the 5/55 Inter- change north to 17th Street along SR -55 will also be closed at various times through the construction period, although not during peak hours. Q. Are there alternate routes around the construction? Will the construction affect my neighborhood? A. Try to avoid Fourth Street in Tustin and Santa Ana until mid- 1991, if possible. Then, when the Fourth Street bridges have been rebuilt, try to -avoid First Street bridges until mid-1992. Try using the 17th Street eXits off the I-5 and SR -55. Q. How do I know if my --neighborhood will be affected? Residents can call the Caltrans rlelpline at (714) 7684CAL or Caltrans Right of Way offices at (714) 724-2429 to find out if their property will be affected. Q. When all this construction is completed, will my commute be any easier? A. Widening of the freeway from the El Toro 'Y' north and the reconstruction of the 5/55 Interchange will ease congestion and reduce commuting times. However, significant relief for northbound traffic through Santa Ana and the 5/55 Interchange will not occur until the I-5 is widened from the Interchange north through the Santa Ana/Garden Grove/Route 57 Freeway Interchange. Planning for this final phase of the widening project has been completed. Q. How much will the upcom- ing construction projects cost? A. The estimated construction costs for the new I-5 widening project totals $1.1 billion. This figure includes: I-5 and Vista Hermosa Interchange inSan Clemente.................................................................$12,000 Rte. 1 to I-405 widening ......................................................$59,000 I -5/I405 confluence project...............................................$81,000 I-5/Rte. 55 Interchange project ....................................... $109,000 Rte. 55 to Rte. 22 widening ...............................................$208,000 Rte. 22 to Rte. 91 widening ...............................................$382,000 Rte. 91 to Rte. 605 widening.............................................$290,000 These costs do not include right -0f --way or sound wall projects and landscape projects. And some of the projects above have not yet been funded. New O'T'D Routes Helr South County - Cornm ufers Tame fie earl South county commuters only run during peak hours, town Los Angeles before 8 a.m., looking fora better way to get to re turnin alon the same routes in and also runs in the afternoon for a work just got a hand from the Orange County Transit District, which has designed two new routes with thein in mind: ► Route 305 travels from San Juan Capistrano to the Santa Ana Civic Center with pick ups at the Laguna Hills Transportation Center and the Good Shepherd Park -and -Ride at Yale and Irvine Center Drive. 0 -Route 307 has two buses traveling from the San Juan Capistrano Park - and -Ride to Orange with pickups at the Laguna Hills Transportation Center and Heritage Park in Irvine. Two additional buses travel the same route, but continue on to the Anaheim Civic Center area. These Iii -sited -stop bus routes --Offer more direct service in comfort - )le, air-conditioned vans. "I`hey g g the evening. For those who travel even further north, there is still another option: Commuter Rail. The Commuter Rail train begins its daily trip in San Juan Capistrano and stops in Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim and Fullerton. The molding trip ends in down - return trip home. For more information about bus routes, train schedules or other transit facts, call 636 -RIDE. From south Orange County, call 4964623. {-------------I coupon to driver when boarding. "I1iis coupon is good for one free one-way trip on OCTD commuter bus route 305 or 307 ONLY. 1 J No cash redemption value. Limit one coupon per person. Valid through 3-1-91 FW 1290&) Setatus of Mal*org-reeway and :oad Construction Projects The following is an update of major freeway projects under way or planned for your area. Become a "smart" driver and avoid delays by familiarizing yourself with freeway and road improvement projects and available alternate routes in your area. Stay alert to updates and notices about lane and ramp closures. Project: 1-5 (Santa Ana Freeway) ► Expect lots of construction activity on the I-5. Caltrans has begun rebuilding the I-5/55 Interchange and widening the Santa Ana Freeway from three lanes to six lanes in each direction between the El Toro "Y" and the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR -55). Also watch for -.onstruction on the Costa Mesa r reeway between the 5/55 Interchange and 17th Street in Santa Ana. Status: Under construction through 1991. In conjunction with the freeway widening work, Caltrans is removing and rebuilding bridges and interchanges along the Santa Ana and Costa Mesa Freeways. Work is proceeding on schedule on these projects. Status: Under construction through 1994. Project: The 1-5/55 Interchange Construction is under way on the Costa Mesa Freeway from the interchange to 17th Street and on the I-5 from Fourth Street in Santa Ana to Red Hill in Tustin to prepare the area for idening and construction of new freeway interchange ramps. Status: Construction began Spring 1990 and continues through Spring 1991 ► On and offramps at the Red Hill/ 1-5 interchange will close on January 14 as work on the I-5 progresses and Red Hill is realigned. The northbound I-5 onramp and the southbound offramp will be closed until Fall 1991; the northbound 1-5 offramp and southbound &ramp will reopen in the Summer 1992. Concurrently, Red Hill will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Nisson Road and El Camino Real. As an alternate ramp, use the ramps at Newport Avenue or the newly -completed Jamboree Road/I-5 interchange. ► The Fourth Street bridges over the 1-5 in Santa Ana and the Costa Mesa Freeway in Tustin and the Fourth Street onramp to southbound SR -55 were demolished and will be closed for 12 to 15 months. The other Fourth Street on and offiramps will also close at various times during this period. Status: Fourth Street bridges closed Aug. 17, 1990 and were demolished shortly thereafter. Construction is scheduled through mid-1991. When the Fourth Street bridge project is completed and the new bridges open, the First Street bridges over the I-5 in Santa Ana and the Costa Mesa Freeway in Tustin will be first closed and then removed for 12- 15 months for reconstruction. The southbound 1-5 offramp to First Street and the First Street onramp to the southbound I-5 in Santa Ana will be pennanently closed. Freeway lanes and other various ramps between the 5/55 Interchange north to 17th Street along SR -55 will be closed at various times through the construction period, although not during peak hours. Status: Construction begins Spring 1991 through late 1992. To improve circulation within the Tustin and Santa Ana construction zones, certain traffic signals on Irvine Boulevard, Newport Avenue and Edinger Avenue -Irvine Center Drive will be upgraded and coordinated. Several streets in the area will be restriped and have parking restrictions. Two areas will be widened: the west side of Yorba Street. from Fust Street to Irvine Boulevard and the south side of First Street at Tustin Avenue. Status: Completed by Spring 1991. Other Construction Projects in Orange County ► Pacific Coast Highway between Highland Street and Brookhurst Street is being widened to six lanes. Construction is expected to continue through February, 1992. ► On and offramps are being built on the I-5 from Western Avenue to Stanton Avenue in Buena Park. The ramps will provide greater access to the area's attractions, including Knott's Berry Farm. Construction is expected to continue through July, 1991. What's All Hte R, AICKET11 Some residents living near the Costa Mesa Freeway have expressed concern about the noise and dis- ruption being caused by the extension of the freeway. Much of the noise is caused by pile driving, a process that embeds steel beams in the ground. This is a preliminary step necessary for the construction of bridges, retaining walls and other freeway structures. Unfortunately, this process re- quires a piece of equipment that causes noise. The construction is part of Caltrans plans to extend the Costa Mesa (SR -55) Freeway. The freeway is being extended to 19th Street in Costa Mesa, and will provide a vital link between central Orange County, Costa Mesa and the beach cities. Unfortunately, with construc- tion also comes noise and disrup- tion. Caltrans and the contractors involved regret any disturbance or inconvenience, and are making every effort to comply with noise ordinances, expedite the work, and notify residents in the affected areas in advance of any pile driving activity. If you have any questions regard- ing the pile driving work or any other aspect of the Costa Mesa Freeway extension projects, please call the Caltrans Helpline at 7684CAL. Please clip and mail today. r -------------------------------------------I I Marian Hofstad t I Caltrans District 12, Public Awareness Santa Ana, CA 92705 2501 Pullman Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705 caltralls 11e l Lille : 1 Dear Ms. Hofstad.: ❑ Please ask someone to contact me. 114) 768-4CAL i Yes! I want to help Caltrans Tame the Snarl. I I Please send me: Name 1 I ❑ Information on vanpools, express buses I Address I and carpools. I ❑ Put me on the Caltrans mailing list. I'd City State Zip I like to receive future updates. Telephone Number L————————————————————————————————————— — — — — — J &ftans 2501 Pullman Street Santa Ana, CA 92705 S. Postage XzXA caltralls 11e l Lille : 1 114) 768-4CAL CAR—RT SORT $ CR22 RESIDENT 14642 DARTMOUTH C I R TUSTIN CA 92680