By Brian Park
Two more properties have been shut down and cordoned off to clear the way for Caltrans’ Interstate 5/Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project, the department announced Monday.
Caltrans took possession of the Chevron gas station and the Denny’s restaurant, both located on Ortega Highway just east of I-5, at midnight, according to Public Information Officer David Richardson.
In the case of the gas station, Chevron closed the business and erected fences on their own, before Caltrans took possession. Chevron will also do their own demolition, which includes the removal of underground tanks, according to Richardson.
Caltrans also announced the former Jack in the Box property, located at the corner of Del Obispo Street and Ortega Highway, will be demolished after the New Year. That property, along with another Chevron gas station on Del Obispo Street, was shut down in October.
The project is slated to begin in early 2013 and aims to alleviate traffic in the area. The project will reconstruct the existing Ortega Highway bridge over I-5, widen existing on- and off-ramps, construct a new on-ramp from eastbound Ortega Highway for northbound I-5 travelers and realign the western portion of Ortega Highway to curve into Del Obispo Street.
Caltrans will host an information Open House on Thursday, January 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.
Two additional public meetings will also be held:
- Saturday, January 12, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., at Historic Town Center Park
- Saturday, January 12, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Cook Park