Speed limit reduced to 55 mph on 16-mile stretch of the I-405 during massive, multi-year construction project

Motorists should keep a close eye on their speedometer while traveling on the I-405 Freeway in Orange County, as the speed limit has been dropped from 65 to 55 mph for a 16-mile stretch of the roadway during a massive, multi-year construction project.

Drivers traveling between the I-605 and 73 toll road last week may have begun noticing signs announcing the lowered speed limit on both directions of the freeway.

Construction recently kicked off for the ambitious widening of the I-405, a $1.9 billion project meant to ease gridlock on one of the most heavily congested transportation corridors in the nation. The end result will be a new freeway lane in each direction, as well as the existing carpool lanes becoming express lanes that requires motorists to either carry passengers or pay.

The lowered speed limit will remain in place for the duration of the expected five years of roadwork. Caltrans spokeswoman Van Nguyen said the lower speed limits are meant to protect both motorists and construction crews.

“We are doing it to get the message out to drivers to slow down, and remind them it is an active construction area,” Nguyen said.

Caltrans, after consultation with the Orange County Transportation Agency and the California Highway Patrol, agreed to lower the speed limits in the construction area. Lowered speed limits were previously instituted for other large, high-profile construction projects, including the work on the I-5 Freeway near San Clemente that officially wrapped up in March.

Along with the black and white signs on the side of the freeway, transportation officials are using electronic message signs over the roadway, as well as social media and email blasts, to inform motorists of the new speed limit, OCTA Spokeswoman Megan Abba said.

The reduce speed limit impacts drivers of cars, motorcycles and most trucks. Vehicles towing anything, as well as semi-trucks, were already operating under a 55 mph speed limit.

Once the signs are posted it is up to drivers to pay attention and follow the new speed limit, said Officer Duane Graham of the California Highway Patrol. But Graham acknowledged that drivers are in the midst transitioning to the new limit, with many still going faster than 55 mph, and officers do have the discretion to give out warnings rather than tickets if they deem necessary.

“Ultimately, for anyone out there in construction areas, sites or zones we want them to be more cautious,” Graham said.

With the construction eventually bringing widespread changes to the roadway, Graham urged motorists to pay close attention while driving through the area.

“As we progress through the process, the roadway configuration will change,” Graham said. “So we stress that motorists pay attention to any signage, any cones, any flares. The way it looks today may not be the same as the way it looks next week.”