Jacobs has secured two major construction management contracts from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to oversee highway modernization projects that aim to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance travel reliability across Southern California.
The projects focus on two of Orange County’s busiest transportation corridors—State Route 91 (SR-91) and Interstate 5 (I-5)—which together carry more than half a million vehicles each day.
SR-91 Project to Expand Capacity
The SR-91 Improvement Project, stretching between La Palma Avenue and State Route 55, will add a new eastbound general-purpose lane, widen existing bridges, and reconstruct key interchanges to improve traffic flow.
SR-91 serves as a vital link between Orange County and the Inland Empire, supporting more than 300,000 vehicles daily. Growing population and employment in the region have significantly increased congestion, making the corridor a priority for infrastructure investment.
I-5 Improvements to Boost Safety
Jacobs will also provide construction management services for the I-5 Improvement Project between Interstate 405 and Yale Avenue.
This section of I-5 handles more than 275,000 vehicles each day, making it one of Southern California’s busiest highways. Planned improvements will enhance roadway safety, reduce travel times, and strengthen regional connectivity while supporting long-term economic growth.
Addressing Future Transportation Demand
According to Jacobs Executive Vice President Eva Wood, the projects are critical as Southern California continues to experience increasing traffic demand.
She noted that drivers in Los Angeles and Orange County currently lose an average of 88 hours each year due to traffic congestion. With the region’s population and employment expected to grow by more than 20% by 2045, investing in resilient transportation infrastructure is becoming increasingly important.
Supporting Orange County’s Transportation Vision
The SR-91 and I-5 upgrades form part of Orange County’s long-range transportation strategy, which focuses on improving mobility, reducing congestion, and delivering more reliable travel for commuters, businesses, and visitors.
Jacobs will oversee construction activities to help ensure efficient project delivery while maintaining quality, safety, and schedule performance throughout the modernization program.
With extensive experience delivering transportation infrastructure worldwide, Jacobs continues to support major highway, rail, and transit projects that improve connectivity and strengthen regional economies.
