Field Trips

Completed in 2023, the 405 Express Lanes project serves as a commuter bypass for Interstate 405, one of the most congested thoroughfares in the country. The upgraded section of I-405 is one of the most heavily traveled freeway sections in Southern California and is designed to support the anticipated rapid population growth in Orange County along the corridor spanning six cities. Learn about the history of the express lanes, the process of construction, and about their daily operation.

John Wayne Airport is Orange County's main (and only) airport, serving millions of passengers annually with a range of domestic and international flights. Located in the city of Santa Ana, John Wayne is situated in the middle of suburban development, making both its role in the area and its flight operations unique. Even with the challenges put forth by these restrictions (and needing to serve several million passengers per year), operations stay smooth. Come join us in the office and on the tarmac.

NexTech Systems provides technology and solutions for a smarter, safer transportation future for Southern California. Join us in their Irvine office for a tour of their day-to-day operations featuring intelligent traffic equipment and a crosswalk workshop.

Caltrans District 12 encompasses Orange County, maintaining and improving road infrastructure for the county's 3.2 million residents and several hundred thousand commuters. Come join us in their office for a tour of day-to-day operations.

Anaheim is the most populous city in Orange County, famous for the world-renowned Disneyland Resort, its major league baseball and hockey teams, and its vibrant food scene -- all combining to be a major hub of activity and transportation in the region. The city's traffic management center does its magic to keep the roads organized even on game day (and is an office that ITE at UCI routinely visits)! Traffic operations can't happen without the reliable technology behind the lights and the even more reliable people in charge of it.

Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC) is one of the county's major rail and bus hubs, serving the region with commuter (Metrolink) and intercity passenger (Amtrak) rail. It boasts beautiful Spanish Revival-era architecture, being both historically significant to the city's culture as well as the future main station for OC Streetcar.