I-5 Managed Lanes Project: What Drivers Need to Know About the Red Hill Ave. to OC/LA County Line Construction

The I-5 Freeway is one of Southern California’s most heavily traveled routes, connecting Orange County and Los Angeles with thousands of daily commuters, freight trucks, and long-distance travelers. With the growing demands on this major corridor, the California Department of Transportation has launched the I-5 Managed Lanes Project, a significant construction effort spanning from Red Hill Avenue in Tustin to the Orange County/Los Angeles County Line. While the project aims to improve traffic flow and safety, it’s also increasing accident risks during construction.

If you’ve been involved in a collision in this corridor, understanding your rights is critical, and that’s where an experienced I-5 car accident lawyer can help.

What Is the I-5 Managed Lanes Project?

The I-5 Managed Lanes Project is a multi-year infrastructure improvement initiative that will add managed lanes (including carpool and tolled express lanes) in both directions of the freeway. The project covers approximately 14 miles between Red Hill Avenue in Tustin and the LA County Line, passing through key Orange County cities such as Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, and Fullerton.

The goals of the project include:

• Easing congestion by providing more options for commuters
• Enhancing safety through upgraded interchanges and lane design
• Improving travel times with express lanes and smoother traffic flow

Construction includes reconfiguring major interchanges like Harbor Boulevard, Euclid Street, and Beach Boulevard, as well as expanding overpasses and replacing aging infrastructure.

Increased Accident Risks in Construction Zones

While the long-term benefits of the project are promising, current conditions along the I-5 corridor have become increasingly hazardous. Drivers navigating narrow lanes, abrupt detours, changing traffic patterns, and nighttime construction are at heightened risk for collisions.

Common factors contributing to construction zone crashes include:

• Reduced lane widths and shifting lane alignments
• Confusing signage or sudden changes in speed limits
• Increased congestion and sudden braking during peak hours

These risks are especially high around interchanges like State Route 91, State College Boulevard, and Lincoln Avenue, where freeway merges and onramps are already congested under normal conditions.

Legal Considerations After a Crash in a Construction Zone

If you’re injured in a crash while driving through the I-5 Managed Lanes construction area, it’s important to understand how fault may be determined. Construction zone accidents often involve multiple parties, including other drivers, construction contractors, and even government agencies. Working with a knowledgeable I-5 car accident lawyer is crucial to investigating the circumstances and determining liability.

A lawyer can help with:

• Identifying all responsible parties: This may include drivers who were speeding or distracted, as well as contractors who failed to provide adequate warnings.
• Preserving evidence: Roadway conditions change frequently in construction zones, so documenting the scene quickly is key.
• Filing timely claims: If a government entity like Caltrans is involved, strict deadlines and special rules apply.

Staying Safe During Construction

Until the project’s anticipated completion in the late 2020s, drivers need to exercise caution in the construction zone. You can reduce your risk of a crash by:

• Staying alert: Watch for changing lane configurations and sudden stops.
• Slowing down: Speed limits are often reduced in work zones for good reason.
• Planning ahead: Use alternate routes such as Euclid Street, State Route 57, or La Palma Avenue during peak congestion.

Despite best efforts, however, serious accidents continue to occur. If you or a loved one is injured, seeking legal help immediately is often the best way to protect your rights.

Call an I-5 Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today

Navigating a claim after a crash in a construction zone can be complex, especially along a busy stretch like the I-5 between Red Hill Avenue and the LA County Line. A seasoned I-5 car accident lawyer can help you understand your options, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation. At I-5 Accidents, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Call us today at (888) 511-4558 for a free consultation.