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Modernizing a critical Los Angeles corridor for enhanced travel

Operational upgrades, carpool lanes and improvements on Interstate 5 North deliver safer, smoother travel through northern Los Angeles County
LA Metro I-5
Transportation

As Santa Clarita continues its transformation into the third-largest city in Los Angeles County, with more than 25,000 new residents expected by 2035, the region’s transportation infrastructure is under pressure. To meet this demand, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) and Caltrans District 7 are delivering targeted operational and safety enhancements along Interstate 5 (I-5) in northern Los Angeles County — and Jacobs is leading design for every mile. 

The I-5 North County Enhancements Project focuses on smarter, more efficient ways to move people and goods through this vital corridor, creating a roadway designed for reliability, freight efficiency and long-term regional growth. 

The upgrades separate commuter traffic from commercial freight, reduce weaving conflicts and improve ramp access — creating a noticeably smoother, safer driving experience for both daily commuters and regional travelers.

25K

new residents expected in Santa Clarita by 2035

14

miles of carpool, truck and auxiliary lanes improving mobility and safety 

4

soundwall locations enhancing quality of life for nearby communities 

Designing for what’s ahead 

Jacobs served as the lead designer for the full plans, specifications and estimates package delivering comprehensive design for the entire corridor, including roadway, structural, drainage, geotechnical, utility and traffic handling systems. This integrated approach ensured the project’s complex improvements functioned seamlessly across disciplines. 

Why it matters 

  • Congestion relief for a growing city: Supports Santa Clarita’s rapid population growth without expanding general-purpose lanes 
  • Augmented freight efficiency: Dedicated truck lanes enhance goods movement and reduce conflicts with passenger vehicles 
  • Faster, smoother commutes: Auxiliary lanes and Intelligent Transport System upgrades reduce bottlenecks and improve traffic flow 
  • Enhanced travel: Upgraded merging, separation of vehicle types and modernized infrastructure lower crash risk 
  • Community benefits: Soundwalls and enhanced operations reduce neighborhood impacts 

A corridor built for the future 

The I-5 North County Enhancements Project is part of a broad, multi-phase vision outlined in LA Metro’s Long Range Transportation Plan focused on easing congestion, improving safety and strengthening regional connections across LA County. For Santa Clarita and surrounding communities, it represents a major step toward a transportation system designed for both today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth. 

  • Our job was to respect the way this corridor has always functioned while building in the capacity and safety needed for the future. The improvements on I-5 strike that balance and set Santa Clarita up for long-term growth.
    Steven Lutz
    Jacobs Project Manager/Design Manager
  • I-5 Before
    Before
  • I-5 After
    After

Images courtesy of LA Metro