405 Freeway and Fairview Road Bridge set to Close Overnight Saturday in Costa Mesa

OCTA officials announced Thursday that the 405 Freeway at Fairview Road in Costa Mesa is scheduled to fully close overnight on Saturday, March 9 and Saturday, March 16, as part of the I-405 Improvement Project.

The full freeway closures, along with overnight closures of the Fairview Road bridge and adjacent freeway ramps and connectors, are necessary to demolish part of the bridge over the freeway. The closures are scheduled from approximately 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on March 9-10 and March 16-17, weather permitting.

During both overnight freeway closures, drivers will be detoured off the freeway at the Fairview Road off-ramps and back onto I-405 past the Fairview Road bridge.

Click here for local detours.

Click here for freeway detours.

Other overnight closures include:

  • Northbound SR-73 to northbound I-405 connector
  • Northbound I-405 off-ramps to Susan Street and Harbor Boulevard
  • Northbound I-405 on-ramp from Fairview Road
  • Southbound I-405 to southbound SR-73 connector
  • Southbound I-405 and SR-73 on-ramps from Fairview Road
  • Detours will be in place to guide drivers around the closures.

Drivers should expect delays in the area and are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible. Up-to-date closure and construction information is available on the project’s interactive map at octa.net/405map.

The $1.9 billion I-405 Improvement Project will add one regular lane in each direction between Euclid Street and I-605, and a second lane in each direction in the center of the freeway from SR-73 to I-605 that will combine with the existing carpool lanes to form the 405 Express Lanes.

The Fairview Road bridge is the fifth of more than 18 bridges to be built, widened or replaced as part of the project, which will speed up travel times on I-405 between Costa Mesa and the Los Angeles County line, an area traveled by more than 370,000 vehicles a day.

The bridge is expected to take approximately to two years to reconstruct. It will be demolished and reconstructed in two stages, allowing it to remain open to traffic during construction.

Once completed, the Fairview Road bridge will continue to have 10 traffic lanes, along with sidewalks and bike lanes in both directions. Traffic lanes and sidewalks will be widened, and a 4-foot-wide center median will be added to the bridge.

This 16-mile segment of I-405 is one of the most heavily traveled stretches of highway in the nation, and both the regular lanes and carpool lanes are heavily congested during rush hour and on weekends. The project is critical to accommodate expected employment, population and housing growth throughout the region.

It currently takes drivers about an hour to travel this section of freeway during rush hour, and without the project, the commute is projected to double in the next 20 years. Once the project is finished in 2023, it is expected to take about 30 minutes to drive the 16 miles during rush hour in the regular lanes and about 15 minutes in the 405 Express Lanes.

People are encouraged to visit the project website at www.octa.net/405improvement to sign up for construction alerts via automated call, text message or email.

 




City Council votes 7-0 to purchase property near airport that could become permanent bridge shelter

In a unanimous vote, the Costa Mesa City Council agreed to allocate $6.925 million for the purchase of an industrial warehouse at 3175 Airway Avenue that will be evaluated as a potential permanent bridge shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in Costa Mesa.

“I’m really proud of the work the council and the staff has done,” Mayor Katrina Foley said just prior to the vote. “We have done really good work that is meaningful and will create long-lasting safety in our community and save people’s lives. It’s literally been something that no other council has addressed to get people off the streets and into housing.”

At 29,815 square feet, the building is more than sufficient size to operate a best practices shelter. The building includes approximately 5,510 square feet of office built-out, lobby, reception areas, private offices, storage areas, break room and restrooms.

The purchase helps bring to close an exhaustive effort to find a property and satisfy the terms of a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the OC Catholic Worker case and the expectations of Federal District Judge David Carter for Costa Mesa to provide 62 emergency shelter beds, which is based on the city’s 2017 Point-in-Time count numbers. That case was settled this past Monday March 4.

Since September of 2018, the city staff has conducted extensive research and analysis of nearly 50 properties throughout Costa Mesa.

Prior to making this purchase, the City of Costa Mesa reached an agreement with the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene to operate a 50-bed temporary bridge shelter on a portion of property located at 1885 Anaheim Avenue. Additionally, the city has already approved an application by College Hospital to open a 12-bed crisis unit, satisfying the 62-bed number.

The temporary Lighthouse Church bridge shelter, which is expected to begin operations in early April, will be run by a combination of city community outreach staff and staff from Mercy House, an experienced, well-respected shelter operator who will ensure the facility is a reservation-based model along with 24-hour security and roving neighborhood patrol covering a half-mile radius.

If a permanent shelter is ultimately opened at the 3175 Airway property, Mercy House will also be the operator and will adhere to the same reservation-based model and security measures as will be implemented at the Lighthouse temporary shelter.

Staff believes the Airway Avenue property is the best option for purchase and further evaluation and creates the least amount of impact to the surrounding community. The property is 2,050 feet away from residential, 2,300 feet away from the closest school and 2,900 feet away from the closest park.

Mayor Foley credited the “enormous” amount of work being done by city staff and City Council members to get this accomplished.

In particular, she noted the behind-scenes-work of Mayor Pro Tem John Stephens and District 5 Council Member Arlis Reynolds, who spent many hours of volunteer time educating the community about the need for the bridge shelter.

To help offset the cost to the city’s General Fund, city staff has identified $3.3 million in projects currently budgeted in the Capital Improvement Fund (Fund 401) which can be paid for using Park Development Fees.

In addition, because the building has two addresses, meters and separate entrances, the City Council could explore dividing the building, roughly in half, and lease the additional space to a tenant for approximately $200,000 a year, which will offset some of the operating costs of the shelter.

“We still have much work to do to address regional solutions for the lack of mental health services for the chronically homeless in severe mental crisis and to identify permanent supportive housing solutions,” Mayor Foley said. “I look forward to partnering with my colleague Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris to once and for all address this important community concern.”




Costa Mesa settles lawsuit in Orange County Catholic Worker case

The City of Costa Mesa reached a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the Orange County Catholic Worker case on Monday March 4, 2019, ending a more than year-long lawsuit that has resulted in the city moving forward with plans for a 50-bed bridge shelter.

“This is a historic day for the City of Costa Mesa,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “For nearly 20 years I’ve heard residents express concerns about the impacts and lack of shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in our city. I am extremely proud of my City Council colleagues and the city staff who have worked tirelessly for the last three months to find compassionate solutions for those experiencing homelessness while at the same time making a commitment to improve and restore safety in our communities.”

The settlement, signed by Mayor Foley, was approved by Federal District Judge David Carter, who had given direction to the city to provide 62 shelter beds, which is based on the city’s 2017 Point-in-Time count numbers. Costa Mesa has already satisfied the need for 12 of its 62 required beds by approving an application from College Hospital to operate a 12-bed crisis unit.

Mayor Foley, right, and City Attorney Kim Barlow hold up signed settlement papers.

Additionally, the city has reached an agreement with the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene to operate a 50-bed temporary bridge shelter on a portion of the property located at 1885 Anaheim Avenue.

The court has also agreed that once those shelter beds are available, the city can offer shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness, and in turn step up enforcement of the city’s anti-encampment ordinance. In addition to housing those in need, it is hoped that the City’s parks will also be more available to local residents for recreational use.

The city is working toward an early April opening of the temporary bridge shelter at the Lighthouse.

According to the settlement agreement signed Monday, in addition to providing shelter beds, the city of Costa Mesa will pay $24,000 in attorney fees to the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center and will make a monetary settlement in the amount of $7,500 to plaintiff Melissa Fields to use for housing.

Monday’s settlement puts to rest any claims against Costa Mesa in the lawsuit filed by the Orange County Catholic Worker and other entities on Jan. 29, 2018. The suit was filed against the City of Costa Mesa and the cities of Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana and the County of Orange regarding encampments along the Santa Ana River trail. All of these cities have now settled the case. All of those cities have either opened or will open emergency housing shelters.




Mayor Katrina Foley and Mayor Pro-Tem John Stephens issue statements on reports of Newport-Mesa students saluting swastika on social media

Mayor Katrina Foley
“There is no place for hateful symbols of swastikas and Nazi salutes in our community. Glorifying or even joking about these symbols contradicts the values we share as a diverse community. Normalizing these symbols as a joke is dangerous. We must challenge this kind of bias. We cherish our city’s Jewish community, as well as people of all backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, genders and more. This abhorrent anti-Semitic activity is divisive, unbecoming of our community and leads ultimately to hate and discrimination.

While we take seriously and object to this hateful activity, I discourage vilification of these teens. Instead, we need to seriously address why teens in our community might think these types of hateful symbols are acceptable or funny and worthy of selfies. We must use this incident as an opportunity to work with our school district leaders to encourage schools to implement better anti-bias and anti-hate content in their curricula and in extra-curricular activities. In partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, the Orange County Human Relations Commission, our faith-based organizations, and other leaders, we must develop comprehensive programming so that students can empathize with people different than themselves. Diversity is not a challenge, it’s a strength.”

Mayor Pro-Tem John Stephens
“The atrocities of the Holocaust and the sacrifices of our World War II veterans must never be forgotten, but apparently some of our children are not getting the message. That’s a real problem. We cannot tolerate hate in our community, and we have to make a commitment to promote love and kindness in Costa Mesa.”

Mayor Foley noted that the Newport-Mesa school district has issued an alert via email to district administrators and board members after reports of the event surfaced. District officials met with school administrators and a crisis team Sunday to determine a course of action. In response, the Newport-Mesa School District is holding an open forum for members of the Estancia, Costa Mesa, and Newport Harbor High School communities co-led by Dr. Sean Boulton, Newport Harbor High School Principal, Dr. Jake Haley, Costa Mesa High School Principal, Mr. Mike Halt, Estancia Principal and Rabbi Reuven Mintz–Chabad Center for Jewish Life. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. Monday March 4 in the Newport Harbor High School Theater. English to Spanish translation will be available at the event.

Corona del Mar High School will host an event on that campus at 6 p.m. Thursday March 7.




Fire Capt. Fred McDowell receives February’s City Manager Leadership Award

Assistant City Manager Tammy Letourneau presented Fire Capt. Fred McDowell with the City Manager Leadership Award at the monthly Meet and Greet event on Thursday Feb. 28.

“It’s because of leaders like Capt. McDowell that the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue team continues its longstanding reputation of excellence,” Letourneau said. “As part of our core group of first responders who are on the front line of saving lives and property, I thank him for his service to our community.”

McDowell joined the city of Costa Mesa as a firefighter in 1998 and was promoted to fire engineer in 2002 and fire captain in 2015.  He is active on many committees and has a passion for teaching and training.  He continues to serve with the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue honor guard, which he joined in 1995 prior to being hired, and is currently preparing to become a certified Battalion Chief. He was recently selected as the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue “Supervisor of the Year.”

Prior to joining Costa Mesa, he interned at the Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach fire departments.

McDowell graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1993 with a double major in education and music performance. As a musician, he worked throughout the Southern California area at such places as Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

It was while preparing to complete his teaching credential that he did a ride-along with the Santa Ana Fire Department that changed his life. He then went back to school at Santa Ana College and graduated from the fire academy.

In addition to honoring McDowell, Letourneau welcomed several new members of the staff as well as a new promotion.

The new staffers in the City Manager’s Office include Management Aides Albert Ruiz and Ivis Torres, both of who support the City Council. Also introduced was new Chief of Staff Connor Lock

In Human Resources, Caroline Tse is the new office specialist II, and in Development Services, Monique Arredondo is one new code enforcement officer.
Kristin Stevens is the new management analyst in Fire & Rescue and Nicholas Spector the recreation leader II in Parks & Community Services. Jason Corlett and Judy Malouf are new police records technicians.

In Public Services, Mathew Ballew is the new Management Aide, Nader Noorani a new engineering technician II and Andrew Lucio is a new maintenance worker.

Finally, Letourneau honored longtime fire leader Chris Coates who has been promoted to battalion chief.




Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue launches new Chaplain Program and hires new chaplain

Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano announced that the Fire & Rescue department is launching a new Chaplain Program and Pastor Josh Harrison has been appointed as the department’s fire chaplain.

“The Chaplain program is a long overdue addition for us and we are very fortunate to have Josh and his family as a part of our fire family now,” Chief Stefano said. “We look forward to the leadership and support Josh will share with us and the community.”

Harrison, formerly the teaching pastor at Rock Harbor Church, was first introduced to the community at the opening of Fire Station No. 1 last year and he was immediately called upon thereafter to help provide support following the passing of Fire Capt. Mike Kreza.

The department’s Chaplain program is another important step forward to actively support the mental health and wellness of the firefighters. The program will be managed by Fire Capt. Kevin Reddy, who was instrumental in developing the program and bringing it to life, and supported by a core team of Costa Mesa firefighters.

The new Chaplain program follows the introduction of the Firefighter Peer Assistance Program which was initiated in 2017, with Fire Engineer Mike Ruhl leading that program for the department. CMF&R has also participated in an annual fitness and wellness program through the regional fire academy (Santa Ana College), and will continue to increase efforts to better address cancer prevention and awareness for all fire service professionals.

Pastor Harrison lives in Costa Mesa with his wife, Heather, and their three kids, Buzè, Marta, and Elijah. They have lived in Costa Mesa for the better part of the last 25 years.

Harrison moved to Costa Mesa from northwest Montana in 1995 to attend Vanguard University and never left. He graduated from Vanguard with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in May of 1999, and he and Heather (whom he met at Vanguard) were married a month later.

After graduating, Harrison began working at Vanguard as an IT Technician and stayed working in the IT department at the university for the next eight years. During that time, he went to graduate school at Vanguard to work toward a master’s degree in Biblical Studies, emphasizing Biblical languages. Also, during this time, he began working more directly with students, leading them on short-term service trips to Mexico and East Africa. In 2006, he and his wife moved to England, where Harrison studied at Oxford University and graduated with a master’s degree in Jewish studies.

After a year overseas, they moved back to Costa Mesa and shortly after returning adopted their daughters from Ethiopia. Upon returning to the area, Harrison got another job at Vanguard University, this time as the Mission Director, recruiting, equipping, training, and pastoring students through short-term service teams sent both locally and globally.

During this time, he worked with a variety of charitable organizations across our community, many of which are based in Costa Mesa. After four years of serving in this capacity, Harrison left Vanguard University and began working at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, where he served as the teaching pastor throughout most of last year.

Throughout his tenure at Rock Harbor, he was involved in the local community in a variety of ways: pastoring community members, praying at Costa Mesa City Council meetings, working with charitable organizations in the City, and now preparing for his next pastoral role.

The Harrisons and their kids love the city of Costa Mesa and spend the vast majority of their time here. Heather Harrison serves as the Middle School Principal at Mariners Christian School.




Erosion from rain storms forces temporary Fairview Park trail closures

With the recent heavy rains and expected additional storms, the bluffs at Fairview Park are experiencing substantial erosion, which has created a health, safety, and environmental hazard and is now forcing the city to close off the bluff trail beginning Tuesday Feb. 26 through Friday March 8.

At its Feb. 5 meeting, the City Council approved emergency funding to support installation of a temporary berm along the bluff trail . The berm will prevent further erosion and will keep water on the mesa and in the vernal pools, instead of draining off the bluffs.

The project is now at the construction phase, which will require closure of the trail between Pacific Avenue and the stairs leading to Talbert Park.

Heavy equipment and workers will be on site along the trail daily (M-F) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additional trails in the park are seasonally closed because of protected species in the vernal pools.

Due to these closures, park visitors cannot walk the entire loop of the park on the mesa.




Agreement Finalized to Rent Lighthouse Church for Bridge Shelter

The City of Costa Mesa has reached an agreement with the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene to operate a 50-bed temporary interim bridge shelter on a portion of their property located at 1885 Anaheim Avenue.

The City Council voted to approve the terms of a lease agreement with the church at its Feb. 19 council meeting. Representatives from the Church of the Nazarene then agreed to the terms of that lease agreement on Thursday Feb. 21.

“This is a great first step toward the cleanup and restoration of our Westside neighborhoods, while at the same time addressing the humane option of helping individuals up and out of homelessness,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “We look forward to this productive partnership with Lighthouse Church that is truly in the best interest of both parties.”

Establishing this bridge shelter option for those experiencing homelessness will provide the number of necessary shelter beds that the City of Costa Mesa is expected to create based on a proposed settlement agreement in the OC Catholic Worker lawsuit that in turn would restore the city’s ability to enforce trespassing and anti-encampment ordinances.

The new bridge shelter basically expands what is an already existing inclement weather shelter into a reservation-based, high-security temporary solution to offer shelter beds to those in need.

The temporary Lighthouse Church bridge shelter will be run by a combination of city outreach staff and staff from Mercy House, an experienced, well-respected operator who will ensure the facility is a reservation-based model along with 24-hour security and neighborhood management covering a half-mile radius.

The agreement between the city and the church provides upgrades including creating security fencing around the facility, increasing lighting in the area, cleaning and sanitizing streets, sidewalks and parks where necessary, and adding modular trailers for restrooms, storage of personal belongings, and space for shelter beds.

Additionally, unsheltered individuals will be offered resources for job training and placement services, mental health assessments, health and dental care, substance abuse treatment and connections to permanent housing all while working on their plan to obtain housing.

The city continues to pursue commercial property for a permanent bridge shelter in the northeast portion of the city near John Wayne Airport.

 




Estancia Adobe officially recognized as historical site by city and county historical commissions

Morning rain cleared way for clear sunny skies just in time for the unveiling of bronze plaque, commemorating the Diego Sepulveda Adobe’s historic and cultural significance to Costa Mesa.

The Costa Mesa Historical Society, Costa Mesa Historical Preservation Committee, and the Orange County Historical Commission all worked in collaboration on the County’s Historical Site Plaque Program to designate the Adobe as Orange County Historical Site No. 56.

More than 75 community members were joined by Mayor Katrina Foley, Mayor Pro Tem John Stephens, Council member Sandy Genis, members from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and a representative from the office of US Congressman Harley Rouda and Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Liz McNabb, also a representative for Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris.

The event opened with a Native American blessing given by Adelia Sandoval and was followed by Anthropologist Steven O’Neil who gave a historical talk on the Adobe. Docents provided guided tours of the Adobe as guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Raising Cane’s.




Costa Mesa residents sought to serve on city committees

The Costa Mesa City Council is currently seeking residents to serve on the following city committees:

Animal Services Committee: This committee meets monthly and assists with the planning of animal related events, explores and provides recommendations to improve animal services, and promotes pet licensing within the City. The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for three regular members. For further information, please contact Recreation Coordinator Tracy Habiger at (714) 754-5128.

Bikeway & Walkability Committee: This committee meets monthly and assists with the review, update and implementation of the city’s Master Plan of Bikeways and pedestrian pathways in order to make recommendations for their improvement to the City Council. The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for eight regular members. For further information, please contact Transportation Services Manager Jennifer Rosales at (714) 754-5180.

Cultural Arts Committee: This committee meets monthly and works to promote the City motto, “City of the Arts.” The committee works to establish programs, events and information that help residents access the arts in many different venues. The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for five regular members and two alternate members. For further information, please contact Recreation Supervisor Ashley Thomas at (714) 754-5052.

Fairview Park Steering Committee: This committee meets every other month and provides advice to the City Council regarding the implementation of the Fairview Park Master plan and impacts of Measure AA on Capital Improvement Program projects, maintenance and activities. The City is recruiting for a 4-year term for three regular members and one alternate member. For further information, please contact Fairview Park Administrator Cynthia D’Agosta at (714) 754-5135.

Finance and Pension Advisory Committee: This committee meets monthly and provides advice to the City Council regarding events and issues which may affect the financial status of the City.  It also evaluates annual and long-term pension and financial impacts from changes in CalPERS contribution rates and/or actuarial schedule changes.  The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for five regular members and a 1-year term for two regular members. Applicants shall have pension knowledge or shall be residents or individuals that conduct business within the City and have a background that includes experience in securities trading, financial planning, banking, auditing, accounting, or a closely related and relevant field.  For further information, please contact Management Analyst Amber Haston at (714) 754-5227.

Historical Preservation Committee: This committee meets monthly and serves to maintain, preserve, educate and promote the city’s historical resources. The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for five regular members and a 1-year term for one regular member and two alternate members. For further information, please contact Assistant Recreation Supervisor William Lund at (714) 754-5083.

Housing & Public Service Grants Committee: This committee meets on an as-needed basis and helps to promote community understanding of the community development process and activities funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD), and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) with a focus on social service grants. The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for five regular members.  For further information, please contact CDBG Consultant Mike Linares at (714) 754-5678.

Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee: This newly created committee will meet quarterly and address mobile home park issues and concerns in Costa Mesa.  The City is recruiting for a 2-year term for two park owners or their representatives, two mobile home resident owners and one independent citizen at-large who has no affiliations or relationships with mobile home parks; and a 1-year term for one park owner or his/her representative, two mobile home resident owners and one independent citizen at-large.  For further information, please contact City Clerk Brenda Green at (714) 754-5225.

Application Process – Residents who are interested in getting involved in local government are encouraged to complete a Committee Application Form from the City Clerk’s Office or from the City’s website (www.costamesaca.gov/apply).  The completed application may be submitted online; mailed to Costa Mesa City Clerk at Post Office Box 1200, Costa Mesa, California, 92628-1200; faxed to (714) 754-4942; emailed to cityclerk@costamesaca.gov; or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

The deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2019.  Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the March 19, 2019 City Council meeting.




Council votes to contract with Mercy House to operate planned bridge shelters

On Tuesday Feb. 5, the Costa Mesa City Council approved a $1.45 million annual agreement with Mercy House for professional shelter operator services at both the City’s temporary interim  and long-term bridge shelters.

“This is another step to restoring the safety and security to families and businesses in Costa Mesa,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “And those families include people who are experiencing homelessness in Costa Mesa.”

District 5 Council Member Arlis Reynolds was also in support of contracting with Mercy House to operate the shelter.

“I’m confident we can make this work and I’m really proud of everyone, the staff, council and public who has contributed to this and shaping what can be a robust plan,” she said. “The fact that this operator is someone that many members of the community trusts is very important to going forward.”

Establishing this bridge shelter option for those experiencing homelessness will provide the additional 50 shelter beds that the City of Costa Mesa is expected to create based on a proposed settlement agreement in the OC Catholic Worker lawsuit.

On Tuesday Jan. 15, the City Council also directed staff to enter into negotiations with the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene to operate a temporary interim bridge shelter on a portion of their property located at 1885 Anaheim Avenue.  This would expand what is an already existing inclement weather shelter into a reservation-based, high-security temporary solution to offer shelter beds to those in need.

The City sought operator proposals from Mercy House, Salvation Army and the Illumination Foundation, but it was only Mercy House who submitted a proposal to Costa Mesa.

Established in 1989, Mercy House Mercy House provides housing and comprehensive supportive services to homeless populations and is a long-respected shelter operator. Mercy House currently operates the county’s Bridges at Kraemer shelter that has a similar security and reservation-based model.

Mercy House operators will work in tandem with the city’s existing community outreach staff members to manage the shelter on a 24-hour basis.




OCTA postpones Fairview Road lane closures that are part of 405 Improvement project

The Fairview Road traffic shift, which was previously anticipated to begin Saturday Feb. 2, will not take place this weekend due to rain and is now scheduled to begin as early as Saturday Feb. 9 through Sunday Feb. 10 (weather permitting).

The traffic shift, which will move traffic to the westside lanes only,  is anticipated to occur under a 12-hour closure from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

The work is part of the broader 405 Improvement Project in which OCTA, in cooperation with The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is widening the San Diego Freeway (I-405) between State Route 73 (SR-73) and Interstate 605 (I-605).

Click here to read more information on this project.

The project will improve 16 miles of I-405 between the SR-73 freeway in Costa Mesa and I-605 near the L.A. County line. The project includes adding one regular lane in each direction between Euclid Street and I-605 and making improvements to freeway entrances, exits and bridges. In addition, the project will add the 405 Express Lanes, incorporating the existing carpool lanes and a new lane in each direction between SR-73 and I-605.

The 405 Express Lanes will give solo drivers the choice to speed up their commute for a toll and give options for carpoolers to use the lanes for free. When the express lanes open, two-person carpools will pay a toll only during peak hours and carpools of three or more will be free at all times.

For an interactive map of the project go to www.octa.net/405map.