Calif.’s Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board adopted the “2019 Measure M2 Next 10 Delivery Plan,” reflecting a balanced transportation system that supports sustainability while making improvements to freeways, streets, and transit service throughout Orange County.

The Next 10 Plan, which sets project and program priorities over a 10-year period through 2026, aims to deliver transportation improvements promised to voters through Measure M as early as possible.

The plan was updated in response to a new revenue forecast for Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as OC Go. Measure M is expected to generate $13.4 billion through 2041, an increase of $300 million compared to last year’s sales tax revenue forecast, the first forecasted increase since 2014.

The Next 10 Plan calls for:

• Delivering up to $4.3 billion in freeway projects, including completing 26 of 30 freeway project segments promised in Measure M.

• Allocating nearly $1 billion for street improvements, including synchronizing traffic signals and providing flexible funding to cities to improve their roads.

• Investing approximately $1 billion to enhance access to transit services, including delivery of the OC Streetcar and expanding Metrolink service.

• Ensuring the ongoing preservation of open space preserves and providing $40 million in water quality grants aimed at preventing the flow of trash and debris into waterways.