The 2023 legislative mandate for Caltrans to publicly share project data has resulted in the release of a detailed report illustrating five years of freeway expansion in California. Between July 2018 and June 2023, Caltrans added 553 new lane miles, primarily in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, with nearly half of the new lanes being general purpose. The expansion efforts have involved significant dislocation of communities, as Caltrans reported demolishing numerous homes and businesses, with the I-5 widening project being particularly impactful. This ongoing development raises concerns about increased congestion and environmental pollution.
Caltrans continues to add more and more freeway lanes all over California, contrasting claims that the state’s highway expansion era is in the past.
From 2018 to 2023, Caltrans added 553 new highway system lane miles statewide, with the most significant increases occurring in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.
Nearly half of Caltrans' recently completed new lanes are general purpose lanes, the unmanaged kind known to induce more driving, thereby increasing congestion and pollution.
Caltrans reported relocating 317 homes and 306 businesses in its push for freeway expansion, with the widening of the 5 Freeway in L.A. accounting for over 90% of demolitions.
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