RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. — Despite the pandemic, the Oso Parkway Bridge Project has hit a milestone: All six lanes of Oso Parkway at the 241 Toll Road are open to drivers.
This will be a direct connection between Los Patrones Parkway and State Route 241 once crews open the roadway under the newly built bridge.
The $40 million construction project began in August 2018, and completion is expected in October. The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) funds the work and just appointed a new Chief Executive Officer.
What You Need To Know
- Samuel Johnson is the first CEO of color for the Transportation Corridor Agencies
- The TCA controls Orange County’s 51 miles of public toll roads
- The pandemic has negatively impacted toll revenue
- Despite this, the Oso Parkway Bridge Project is progressing, as all six lanes of the parkway at the 241 Toll Road have opened
Samuel Johnson cut his professional teeth in San Diego, which is where one of his proudest achievements can be found: the I-15 express lanes, which were some of the first toll roads where prices changed based on traffic.
Johnson is the first CEO of color for the TCA, which controls Orange County’s 51 miles of public toll roads.
Johnson is now the highest ranking Black leader in Orange County transportation.
“I know it’s been very difficult for me to get to this position, so I recognize that," said Johnson. "So when I see others, I’m going to recognize that. I can’t ignore it, but I’m hoping that my performance in this position, my selection, and my performance will serve as an example."
It is a strange time to start his biggest role yet — the pandemic has taken a toll on traffic.
For example, taking a look at the week ending September 20, toll revenue as a percentage of pre-COVID-19 revenue is about 63 percent just for the 73 Toll Road alone, which stretches 15 miles from Newport Beach to San Juan Capistrano.
“While it is challenging and unique to come into such a role during this time, it just opens my eyes widely to all the opportunities that exist,” said Johnson.
He explained that throughout his nearly 30 years in transportation, he was frequently the only Black person in the room.
“We do have a long way still to go," he said. "I think there’s still a lot of opportunities for people of color and for women."
Johnson served as interim CEO for five months before being offered the position.