O.C. agency backs 405 widening, possibly clearing way for toll lanes

Orange County transportation leaders voted Monday to move ahead with widening a congested stretch of the 405 Freeway, a project that could clear the way for adding controversial toll lanes

Although the decision affirms an earlier vote to widen the freeway between Costa Mesa and the 605 Freeway with only general purpose lanes, Caltrans — which manages the state’s freeway — voted in July to replace the highway’s carpool lanes with toll lanes.

The toll lane proposal has met with opposition from city leaders and residents along the freeway, some of whom refer to them as “Lexus lanes” that are affordable only to the well-to-do.

The project approved by the Orange County Transportation Authority would leave enough space for an additional carpool or toll lane in each direction.

Some board members wanted to add two general purpose lanes in each direction, excluding the possibility of toll lanes. Others said they had no choice in the matter.

“They’re not our roads,” said Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson, chairman of the county’s transportation authority.

The added general purpose lanes would be part of the county’s $1.3-billion plan to widen the 405 Freeway. Caltrans has estimated its toll lane proposal would cost $400 million.

“Shame on Caltrans for tolling. This has turned sour like someone did something to our punch,” said Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach, who serves on the authority’s board. “To throw this toll in the middle of a project seems unjust.”

But Moorlach said his dissenting vote had more to do with cost-efficiency than blocking toll lanes.

Ryan Chamberlain, a Caltrans district director, has said that although the agency has not secured funding for its toll lane plan, it will not tap money from the county’s transportation tax for the job.

After the vote Monday, board member Todd Spitzer called for sending Caltrans and Gov. Jerry Brown a formal resolution opposing the toll lane alternative.

“Some of us want to back up our words,” Spitzer said.

The board declined. Some members, while agreeing in theory, said they were wary of upsetting officials at the state agency.

“We have to talk nice. We have a lot of business to vote on with Caltrans,” board member Michael Hennessey said.

Harold Pierce writes for Times Community News.