Caltrans to 'Tweak' Ortega Bridge over I-5

Caltrans is working on “tweaks” to the recently reconfigured Ortega Highway bridge over the I-5, a spokesman told Patch.

David Richardson said engineers are aware the bridge isn’t functioning optimally, even given the fact that it’s only four lanes now.

“I know a lot of people are frustrated,” Richardson said. “In the end of the day, I’m happy where it is because people will soon find another way.”

One of the first changes is already in place. The freeway’s permanent electronic sign just north of Ortega for southbound traffic warns that the drivers exiting at Ortega may experience delays and that they should use the Camino Capistrano exit as an alternative, Richardson said.

Meanwhile, there’s a lot of discussion about the bridge lanes and which way they should direct traffic, Richardson said.

Currently, westbound traffic has two lanes over the bridge, with the left one being a left-turn only lane onto the southbound 5 and the right lane having the option to turn left or go straight into downtown San Juan. Richardson said engineers are determining whether the left lane can handle the full load of drivers wanting to enter the southbound freeway so that the right lane could be dedicated to through traffic only.

Travelers on the eastbound side also have two lanes, with the left lane being dedicated to those wanting to enter the northbound I-5 and the right lane accommodating turning traffic and straight traffic.

Patch has observed numerous drivers in the left lane continuing straight in the left lane instead of entering the freeway.

In the end, the four-lane bridge is not going to function as smoothly as it did before the lane closures, and locals should try other routes, Richardson said. When they do, that should alleviate some of the issues … somewhat.

“People aren’t going to change their behavior until there’s a reason to change their habits,” he said.

Meanwhile, Richardson said Caltrans engineers are also determining whether the pedestrian bridge is sturdy enough to withstand an Orange County Sheriff’s motorcycle in the event of an emergency.

Demolition of half the bridge, already cordoned off, is expected after Fourth of July, he added.