Commuters are experiencing the first big construction elements of a project to widen the 55 Freeway between the 405 and 5 freeways.
In recent weeks, crews completed needed demolition work around the freeway’s bridge over MacArthur Boulevard, which made space for adding another southbound lane to widen the bridge.
Piling driving is expected to start soon for a new foundation for the expanded section of bridge.
The $475 million project will add a second carpool lane and a new regular lane in both directions to the heavily traveled stretch of the freeway.
Preparation work – utility work, creating staging areas and installing K-rails to protect workers – started in July, but the demolition work that began late last month is the first heavy lifting drivers have seen.
Creating the additional lanes for the 55 isn’t requiring the extensive bridge work commuters have been driving through on the 405 Freeway the last few years – where 18 bridges spanning the roadway are being rebuilt – so existing lanes are expected to largely remain open and few overnight closures are expected, officials with the Orange County Transportation Authority have said.
New retaining walls are being constructed and electrical work is underway in several sections of the freeway now. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
You can get information on next steps and regular updates at Facebook.com/55FWYProject and octa.net.
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