During my original campaign for Supervisor, I pledged my commitment to improving regional mobility in South Orange County.

As we enter into a new year, I would like to provide a brief update on the status of some important Orange County Public Works Department transportation improvement projects currently underway in South County as well share details for some new projects that will begin construction during 2010.

Alton Parkway Extension: This project will extend the six-lane divided highway from Irvine Blvd to Commercentre Drive. Construction is anticipated to being in March 2010 with completion expected in September 2011.

    l Antonio Parkway Build-out: This project will complete Antonio Parkway between Ladera Ranch and Ortega Highway by widening the road from four lanes to six, including the construction of a new bridge. Construction is anticipated to begin in December 2010 and completed in August 2013.

    l Antonio Parkway Guard Rail Installation: To improve safety, the installation of a metal beam guard rail along Antonio between Crown Valley Parkway and Benjamin Drive is expected June through October 2010.

    l Crosswalk Warning Light System Installation: This installation is part of the Safe Route to Schools Program to install a crosswalk warning system at the intersection of Sienna Parkway and Second Street, serving the Capistrano Unified School District. Completion of these safety improvements is expected in January 2010.

    l El Toro Access Ramp Retrofit: This project is part of the Arterial Highway Rehabilitation Program and will have access ramps at El Toro Road retrofitted with detectable warning surfaces, grooved pavement and elimination of the gutter lip to meet federal standards. Construction on this ramp is to begin in June 2010 and completed in November 2010.

    l La Pata Avenue Extension: This project will extend La Pata Avenue for 4.1 miles between Ortega Highway and Calle Saluda. Completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is expected in August 2010 and approval of the EIR is anticipated in December 2010.

    l Laguna Canyon Road Bicycle Lane: This project will eliminates the bicycle lane gap on this road from the 73 Toll Road intersection to El Toro Road. The construction contract will be issued in August 2010 and the project is anticipated to be completed in April 2011

    l Moulton Parkway Smart Street Improvements: This Project will improve the intersection of El Toro Road and Moulton Parkway by adding additional left turn lanes and dedicated right turn lanes for the full intersection. The project will also add bike lanes and turning lanes at the Gate 12 access in Laguna Woods. Construction on this project is to begin in February 2010 and completed in November 2010.

    l Ortega Highway Widening: This project will widen Ortega Highway from two lanes to four lanes from the city limits of San Juan Capistrano to just east of the La Pata Avenue intersection. Construction should be completed on the County portion of project in July 2010. This project does not include the Caltrans widening project within the city limits of San Juan Capistrano.

As I promised during my campaign to represent the Fifth District, I will continue working to reduce congestion on our busiest roads, improve commute times and increase road safety.

These important transportation projects will provide much needed jobs for our community and improve the standard of living expected from our residents.

As always, if you have any questions regarding these projects or any other County matter, please contact me at  714-834-3550  714-834-3550 , or via email at Pat.Bates@ocgov.com.