New Mission Viejo Bridge Aims to Make Commuting Easier

New Mission Viejo Bridge Aims to Make Commuting Easier
The 241 Toll Road seen from Lake Forest, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Jack Bradley
1/13/2021
Updated:
1/13/2021

The Oso Parkway Bridge is officially open, officials said Jan. 13 while touting the project as one that will improve traffic flow and boost safety.

The new bridge provides motorists a direct connection between Los Patronas Parkway and the State Route 241 toll road by driving under it, rather than having to stop at a busy signalized intersection.

The bridge offers six lanes of travel, with three in each direction. It also provides bike lanes and sidewalks to enhance biking and walking accessibility.

A new sidewalk on the south side of Oso Parkway provides increased access to Tesoro High School, making a trip to and from school easier and safer for students and their families, officials said.

The project is a successful result of a partnership between the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which funded the project, Orange County Public Works, which oversaw construction, and Caltrans, who owns the 241 toll road.

The nearly $40 million project was funded by the Transportation Corridor Agencies, debt free. It was funded without additional debt or tax dollars.

Construction for the project began in 2018 and was completed in January. About 60,000 work hours went into construction of the bridge.