Interstate 5/El Toro Road Interchange Project

The Interstate 5/El Toro Road Interchange Project, managed by Caltrans District 12, involves the modification and improvement of a 1.9-mile stretch of Interstate 5 in Orange County, California. The project limits extend from post mile 17.8, approximately 0.2 mile south of the Los Alisos Boulevard overcrossing, to post mile 19.7, approximately 0.2 mile south of the Lake Forest Drive overcrossing. Spanning the cities of Lake Forest, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Hills, the primary objectives are to optimize traffic signals, improve mobility at local street intersections, reduce freeway ramp queuing, and implement technology to manage traffic demand. The project is currently in the environmental review and preliminary engineering phase, with a forecast date of August 5, 2026. Three primary alternatives are being evaluated: Build Alternative 1, featuring Southbound I-5 Hook Ramps; Build Alternative 3, focusing on Transportation Systems Management and Transportation Demand Management; and a No-Build Alternative. Environmental assessments, including a Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment, are subject to public review and comment through September 14, 2026. The project is categorized under NAICS code 237310 and is coordinated through Associate Environmental Planner Gabriela Duran.