A Glance At Lake Forest Traffic Improvement Projects Underway Into 2027

LAKE FOREST, CA — The City of Lake Forest is continuing to manage traffic needs of commuters in and around town with its Traffic Mitigation Program projects. Drivers should see drastic improvements in the area of Bake Parkway and Trabuco/Irvine Boulevard by late 2026, Spring of 2027, according to the city's Capital Improvement Projects currently underway.

"At the Bake Parkway and Trabuco/Irvine Boulevard intersection, the westbound approach on Bake Parkway will be widened, and the median will be rebuilt to align with new traffic striping," city officials say. "The striping will add a second left-turn lane on both the eastbound and westbound approaches on Bake Parkway. The striping will also convert the dedicated right-turn lane on northbound Trabuco Road to be a through/right lane. Together, these intersection improvements will reduce congestion during peak hours and enhance safety."

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According to the city, during Fiscal Year 2026-27 Bake Parkway from Commercentre Drive to Rancho Parkway South will be resurfaced, or "slurry sealed," keeping the city attractive and safe, according to city project docments.

"Maintaining a 'Good' Pavement Condition Index, helps to sustain the quality of the pavement in the City and extend the useful life," a document for the prjoect says.

Current and future funding for this project stems from the city's General Fund, the Gas Tax Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Fund, and the City Road Infrastructure Fund., as well as Measure M2 Local Fairshare.

Further, in 2027, the El Toro Road Corridor will also see massive improvements, according to the city. Residents can expect lane widening, new asphalt and an added right-turn lane.

"This project is a package of major projects under the Foothill Circulation Phasin Plan," according to the CIP reports. It is due for completion in 2027.

"At the El Toro Road and Jeronimo Road intersection, the southbound approach on Jeronimo Road will be widened and a new right-turn lane will be added to correct an existing misalignment of the through lanes," the city projects website states. "The eastbound and westbound approaches on El Toro Road will be restriped to add a second left-turn lane in each direction.

"Also, along El Toro Road from Jeronimo Road to Trabuco Road, new asphalt will be placed, and a raised median will be constructed to improve driving conditions. A raised median will also be constructed along Trabuco Road north of El Toro Road to enhance safety."

See all of the city's current CIP projects on the interactive map listed here.