A plan to reduce congestion and keep Central Orange County moving over the next 25 years was approved by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board at its meeting this week.

The plan, which builds upon Measure M2 improvements, is a result of the Central County Corridor Major Investment Study. The study identified the best strategy for maximizing the existing transportation infrastructure, optimizing the system efficiency while minimizing impacts to the community.

The board’s approval of the plan means the agency can seek funding to implement the proposed improvements to freeways, streets and transit during the next 25 years. OCTA will continue to study the projects from both a technical and environmental perspective and gather public input as part of the development process.

The strategy’s approval marks the completion of the more than two-year study. The study explored improvements to all forms of transportation and developed a broad range of potential alternatives that were narrowed down to the recommended package approved by the board Monday, Aug. 9.

“Thanks to significant input and cooperation from residents, elected officials and technical advisors, we have a plan to address the transportation needs of the region of which we can all be proud,” said OCTA Chairman Jerry Amante. “This is a vital strategy for our future that will improve traffic flow and keep our communities moving,” said Amante, mayor of Tustin and also the chair of study’s Policy Advisory Committee.

The improvements identified in the plan include:

• Optimizing nine key corridors and 61 intersections to improve mobility throughout the study area, but particularly in the north-south direction

• Conducting feasibility studies for Beach and Harbor Boulevards, two of the areas critical north-south corridors

• Improving the SR-22/I-5/SR-57 “Orange Crush” interchange

• Extending the HOV Lanes on SR-55 from I-405 to 19th Street

• Building connector ramps from the SR-22 to the Pacific Electric Right-of-Way to channel traffic and facilitate connections with the county’s civic center

• Add express bus routes on I-5 and SR-57

• Increase park and ride capacity and access

The study area included 12 cities and unincorporated county land that is bounded by Ball Road on the north, the SR-55 on the East, Pacific Coast Highway on the south and Beach Boulevard on the west.