They may be deemed necessary, but freeway renovations impact drivers – especially those who live near the construction and use adjacent surface streets on a regular basis.

A section of the I-5 freeway that runs through Irvine and Tustin – from the 405 to the 55 freeways – is slated to undergo a significant revamp starting in 2026.

The renovation is projected to cost between $480 million and $960 million, depending on the final design. It would largely be funded by Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

Residents can learn about the proposed overhaul at a public hearing in Irvine on Wednesday evening, May 30.

The nine-mile stretch of the I-5 provides direct access to seven major streets – including Sand Canyon Avenue, Jamboree Road and Red Hill Avenue.

Still in the early stages, the project offers two design candidates. Both options call for the addition of one general-purpose lane in each direction – for a total of seven lanes per side, including the carpool lane.

As of now, the Orange County Transportation Authority does not expect that homes will need to be removed for the freeway widening, said agency spokesman Eric Carpenter.

Current plans call for about 13 sound walls to reduce traffic noise. Each alternative also would re-stripe the existing carpool lanes to allow for continuous access – eliminating specific junctures where motorists must enter and exit the lanes.

“Studies have shown that the buffers on HOV lanes can create bottlenecks,” said OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnik. “Controlled carpool lanes also can cause people to rush across several lanes to get to an off-ramp.”

More than 350,000 motorists drive the segment of the I-5 daily. That number is on track to increase to 500,000 by 2050, according to the OCTA.

Completion is expected by 2030, Carpenter said.

OCTA representatives will provide details about the proposed project at an open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Road, Irvine.

For more information and to view a map of the site, visit octa.net.