Look for a smoother, more pleasant drive and new shopping experience along El Toro Road thanks to the traffic and landscape improvements that were made by the City of Lake Forest. This important roadway is the heart of traffic circulation within the Arbor on El Toro, the planned revitalized commercial and shopping district that extends along El Toro Road from the I-5 Freeway to Muirlands Boulevard. Completed in winter 2006, the project improves every aspect of this busy gateway into the City of Lake Forest, easing daily commutes and enhancing access to the shopping centers. The project features additional traffic lanes, major improvements at intersections, new landscaping, better access to retail shops, and coordinated traffic signals. This is the City's largest capital project to date with a total cost of approximately $33 million. The City is contributing one third of the funds with approximately 66% of the project funding received through grants or agreements with other agencies.
PROJECT GOALS
The El Toro Road Traffic & Landscape Improvement project will achieve three important goals identified by the community in a series of workshops held by the City of Lake Forest:
- Reduce traffic congestion
- Improve traffic safety
- Enhance aesthetics
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OVERVIEW
Highlights of the traffic and landscape improvement project include:
Click here to view the Construction Project informational map/graphic
New Travel Lanes
One new traffic lane will be added in each direction between Jutewood Place / Cornelius Drive and the I-5 Freeway. The total number of travel lanes will be increased from three lanes to four in each direction. In addition, from Rockfield Boulevard to the I-5 Freeway, the road widening will provide one additional lane leading to the north bound I-5 Freeway.
New Turn Lanes
New dedicated turn lanes will ease movement at several critical intersections throughout The Arbor on El Toro shopping district, including:
- Dedicated left-turn lanes and left-turn signals in each direction from Raymond Way onto El Toro Road
- Dedicated right-turn lanes from both directions on Rockfield Boulevard
- An additional westbound lane between Rockfield Boulevard and the I-5 Freeway to provide two dedicated lanes that lead to the northbound I-5 Freeway
Coordinated Traffic Signals
A new smart traffic signal system is being installed to greatly improve traffic flow between the I-5 Freeway and Trabuco Road. The system will continually measure traffic conditions and the data will be used to adjust signals for greatest efficiency.
New Lush Landscape and Trees
Exciting new landscape and significant aesthetic improvements will be made to this major gateway to The Arbor on El Toro shopping district. The architectural theme will include landscaped median islands, planted parkways to provide a buffer between the sidewalk and the roadway and tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly walkways and seating areas. Specifically, 60,000 square feet of new landscaping, containing 261 trees, and 3,060 shrubs, will be installed along the parkways and in the median of El Toro Road between Bridger Road and Raymond Way.
NEWS ROOM
Saddleback Valley News Article, 6/24/2005
Saddleback Valley News Article, 05/06/2005
Saddleback Valley News Article, 4/29/05
OC Register Article, 4/28/05
OC Register Article, 4/4/05
Saddleback Valley News Article, 4/1/05
OC Register Article, 01/21/05
OC Register Article, 12/12/04
OC Register Article, 10/18/04
OC Register Article, 10/16/04
Saddleback Valley News Article, 9/17/04
OC Register Article, 9/13/04
OC Register Article, 9/3/03
OC Register Article, 8/28/03
CONSTRUCTION STATUS AND ARCHIVED UPDATES
The El Toro Road Traffic & Landscape Improvement Project was completed in winter 2006. Improvements include: one additional traffic lane in each direction of the busy section of the commercial corridor, traffic signal coordination and improved access to and between commercial centers, bus shelters and pedestrian seating niches, banners identifying and celebrating the new Arbor District, new lighting fixtures and distinctive architecture that serve to enhance the Craftsman theme throughout the Arbor District.
For archived construction updates please click here.
CONTACT US
To receive up-to-date information about this construction project, call the Redevelopment Agency at (949) 461-3567 or log on to
The Arbor
GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION
On Tuesday morning, September 14, 2004, over 150 people including Lake Forest City Officials, business owners and residents joined in the community celebration and ceremonial groundbreaking for the El Toro Road Traffic & Landscape Improvement Project. The event was a festive celebration of the kick-off for the City's largest and most significant capital improvement project to date. The mood was truly celebratory with speakers Mayor Peter Herzog, City Manager Bob Dunek, and the Orange County Transportation Authority Director Cassie De Young acknowledging the significance of this road improvement project for all of South Orange County. This important roadway is the heart of traffic circulation within the Arbor on El Toro, the City's planned revitalized commercial area and shopping district that extends along El Toro from the I-5 Freeway to Muirlands Boulevard. The project was designed to improve every aspect of this busy gateway into the City of Lake Forest, easing daily commutes and enhancing access to the shopping centers. The design includes adding additional traffic lanes, major improvements at intersections, new landscaping, better access to retail shops, and coordinated traffic signals. The project was completed in the winter of 2006 (see "Grand Opening Celebration" below).
Click here to view pictures of the Groundbreaking Celebration
Click here to view a short video of the Groundbreaking Celebration
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
On Saturday, September 30, 2006, over 2,500 people including Lake Forest City Officials, business owners and residents attended the "Celebrate El Toro Road" grand opening event. The festive event celebrated both the completion of the El Toro Road Traffic & Landscape Improvement Project as well as all the hard work that led to the City's largest and most significant capital improvement project to date. Activities included a live band, City information booths with before and after pictures of the project, an art display composed by Lake Forest elementary school children, complementary cuisine booths provided by local restaurants and the participation of the City's elected officials in the ceremonial grand opening.
El Toro Road serves as the heart of traffic circulation within the Arbor on El Toro, the City's planned revitalized commercial area and shopping district that extends along El Toro Road from the I-5 Freeway to Muirlands Boulevard. Improvements to date include: one additional traffic lane in each direction of the busy section of the commercial corridor, traffic signal coordination and improved access to and between commercial centers, bus shelters and pedestrian seating niches, banners identifying and celebrating the new Arbor District, new lighting fixtures and distinctive architecture that serve to enhance the Craftsman theme throughout the Arbor District.
Click here to view pictures of the Grand Opening Celebration
