Deukmejian Seeks Funds for Santa Ana Freeway

Speaking at a campaign rally in Anaheim, Gov. George Deukmejian said Monday that he would ask the California Transportation Commission for $126 million to widen a section of the Santa Ana Freeway from six to 12 lanes.

The approximately five-mile stretch of freeway, from the Costa Mesa Freeway south to the San Diego Freeway in an area known as “the Golden Triangle,” was being considered for widening from six to eight lanes at a cost of $60 million. But recently, after an environmental impact report, the California Department of Transportation decided on the more expensive option of doubling the existing lanes to 12, with two of the new lanes reserved for buses and car pools.

Last Thursday, Caltrans Director Leo J. Trombatore said he would ask the California Transportation Commission to support the 12-lane improvement and full funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $126 million.

The commission is expected to consider the issue, along with other freeway improvements around the state, at its January meeting.

Orange County Supervisor Bruce Nestande, a member of the state commission, said Deukmejian’s singling out of the Santa Ana Freeway project for support was a significant boost.

The allocation of the extra $66 million in funds for the Interstate 5 improvements would be “a very significant addition to Orange County,” Nestande said.

And though the governor announced his support for the expanded improvements at a rally for his reelection, Deukmejian said, “It’s not an election year thing at all.”