First Responders to Deal with Ortega Traffic

Police and fire officials are making plans to ensure they can respond to emergencies in San Juan Capistrano while traffic is snarled at the Ortega Highway-Interstate 5 interchange because of construction.

“We’re going to take whatever steps necessary to staff our resources on east side and west side of the freeway,” said Lt. John Meyer, the city’s chief of police.

To that end, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has set up a staging area for its deputies at the Best Western hotel just east of the interchange, Meyer told the City Council at its Tuesday meeting.

The area will allow deputies a place to rest, write reports and use the restroom.

Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Kirk Wells said his crews will monitor the interchange project and place equipment and people on the east side of the freeway when they believe navigating the traffic will compromise response times.

“We’re keeping an eye on Caltrans and what they’re doing with the bridge, to make sure our plans fluctuate,” Wells said. “We’ll provide service just like we do now on both sides of the freeway.”

San Juan Capistrano resident Ian Smith, often a critic of the city, said he was skeptical. He said he saw last week’s 45-minute traffic jam at Ortega and the freeway.

“You can’t fly over cars. The drivers just can’t get out of the way. I’m beseeching this council stay on top of this,” Smith said.

Councilman Larry Kramer said the city has been meeting regularly with first responders to keep them apprised of construction and possible logistical issues.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was corrected to say Ian Smith told council he saw last week's traffic jam, not that he was in it. Since then, Mr. Smith has contacted Patch to say he wasn't in town that afternoon. His exact quote from that meeting was: ""Boy, If anyone saw San Juan last Tuesday afternoon, and I did and I bet most people in this chamber did, you can't fly over cars..."

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