SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : On-Ramp Meters Are Being Activated

Freeway ramp meters to Interstate 5 are being activated in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, California Department of Transportation officials said.

Six ramp meters were turned on in San Clemente this week at northbound on-ramps from Avenida Magdalena, El Camino Real, Avenida Presidio, Avenida Palizada, Avenida Pico and Camino de Estrella.

Beginning Monday, five northbound meters in San Juan Capistrano will also be activated.

Those ramps are from Camino Las Ramblas, Camino Capistrano, San Juan Creek Road, Ortega Highway and Junipero Serra Road.

The meters regulate the flow of vehicles entering the freeway from city streets.

They are set on time cycles during rush hour to control the amount of traffic entering the freeway and reduce congestion.

Caltrans is also looking to improve traffic flow in San Juan Capistrano on Ortega Highway.

The state transportation agency is currently designing new right turn lanes on both sides of Ortega Highway, between the freeway and Rancho Viejo Road.

“These improvements will benefit the city by $2 million,” said Councilman Gary Hausdorfer, who also chairs the Orange County Transportation Authority. “They are badly needed in this area.”

Traffic on Ortega Highway approaching the freeway frequently backs up with traffic past Rancho Viejo Road.

The new lanes should offer vehicles a smoother path to the freeway, city officials said.