2025 Year in Review
Over the past year, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) continued to build and strengthen partnerships that leave a lasting impact. From regional to out-of-state agencies, we worked together to deliver meaningful improvements for our drivers.
Guided by our mission and vision, this year’s progress reflects what is possible when sound leadership, a dedicated staff and innovative thinking come together.
As we look ahead, we are proud to share some of our most notable moments from 2025.
241/91 Express Connector Project Moves Forward
A major project milestone was met as the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the CEO’s execution of the four-party Master and Operating Agreements for the 241/91 Express Connector project.
In September, F/ETCA submitted a toll facility application for the project and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) held a public hearing in October, resulting in strong endorsements from project partners and overwhelming support from elected officials, trades and professional organizations. On December 5, the project was unanimously approved by the CTC and will move forward in anticipation of breaking ground for construction in 2026.
Introducing Out-of-State Compatibility: North Texas
In June, TCA launched its partnership with North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) to allow accountholders with The Toll Roads to use tolling facilities in North Texas and have tolls billed to their home account. TCA was the first tolling agency in California to establish compatibility beyond the state’s borders. In the program's first four months, The Toll Roads accountholders had over 75,000 transactions in North Texas.
Assembly Bill 334
TCA sponsored legislation authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris that aims to amend state law to allow toll operators in California to be compatible at a national level. Current state law limits the information needed to process tolls with out-of-state toll operators; AB 334 addresses this limitation by allowing toll operators to share essential data required for interstate compatibility without compromising the customers’ privacy and security.
SJHTCA Early Bond Paydown
As part of TCA’s early bond paydown program, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA), operators of the 73 Toll Road, accomplished an early bond paydown of $200 million. The bonds were paid off with cash reserves and the Agency saved approximately $203 million in interest payments.
TCA Welcomes New Deputy CEO
In March, TCA welcomed a new Deputy CEO, Tim Byrne. With more than 30 years of transportation and tolling experience, Byrne brings seasoned leadership and a strong background in planning, project delivery and express lanes operations.
In his role, he supports the CEO in advancing critical projects for TCA and oversees implementation of the Strategic Plan with a focus on long-term vision and policy development.
Fitch Ratings Upgrades Toll Revenue Bonds
In May, Fitch Ratings upgraded the SJHTCA senior-lien bonds to A- and junior-lien bonds to BBB+ with a rating outlook of positive. In addition, Fitch Ratings upgraded the F/ETCA senior lien bonds to A and junior-lien bonds to A- with a rating outlook of stable.
Wildlife Jump-Out Ramps Repaired
The Wildlife Jump-Out Ramp Repair Project was a collaborative endeavor between Caltrans and TCA to redesign and repair 26 wildlife jump-outs damaged from a devastating fire along the 241. The jump-out ramps serve as an additional safety measure to the 12-mile wildlife fencing to provide animals with access back into open space should they inadvertently end up on the roadside of the fence.
Award-Winning Year
This year, TCA earned three prestigious industry awards.
At the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly, TCA earned an honorable mention award for its Cattle Grazing Program.
Learn About the Cattle Grazing Program
California Transportation Foundation (CTF) awarded Caltrans District 12 and TCA for the 241 Toll Road Jump-Out Ramp Repair Project at the CTF Awards Gala in Sacramento.
The Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) recognized TCA for its innovative partnership with the Irvine Police Department, which allows the department to use a portion of the Tomato Springs Toll Plaza for motorcycle officer training.
Wildlife Protection Fencing
Building on the success of the existing wildlife fencing program along the 241 Toll Road, the Agencies partnered with UC Davis last year to assess additional segments along the roadways. In September, the TCA Boards of Directors approved a phased approach to complete additional wildlife fencing to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, to protect the limited mountain lion population, and enhance wildlife connectivity of other wildlife species.
Habitat Conservation Fund
This November, the F/ETCA Board of Directors approved an Expenditure Plan for approximately $8 million of the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) for near-term restoration and land acquisition projects. All acquisition agreements will be subject to future F/ETCA Board approval following completion of due diligence activities. This action supports the Agency’s goal to preserve critical habitats, prevent wildlife fragmentation and deliver measurable conservation benefits across Orange County.
Expanded Disabled Veteran Program
October 1, 2025, as an expression of gratitude to all the brave people who have served our country, TCA expanded its Disabled Veteran Program, offering greater flexibility for eligible drivers. This expansion allows veterans who qualify for the California DMV Disabled Veteran Registration Fee Exemption to receive free tolls, whether a disabled veteran license plate is displayed or not.
Spring Tours
Spring Tours provide the public with a once-a-year opportunity to explore and learn about the natural beauty and value of protected areas of Orange County on guided walks through land conserved and maintained by The Toll Roads.
This year, we offered two tours of Upper Chiquita Canyon near Coto de Caza in Rancho Santa Margarita and one of Bonita Creek in Newport Beach.
Battling Fraud: Phishing Scams
In the first half of the year, California tolling agencies, including The Toll Roads, were targeted by scammers sending fraudulent text messages to the public attempting to collect outstanding tolls. If you receive a text like this, do not click on the links, report the message as spam and delete it.
Boards Approve FY26 Budgets
In June, the Boards of Directors approved Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budgets with expenditures totaling $422 million—$139 million for SJHTCA and $283 million for F/ETCA.
Key highlights within the FY26 budgets include a $47 million early paydown of bond principal for SJHTCA, as well as planning for the funding and phasing to advance three capital improvement projects: the 241/91 Express Connector, the 73 Catalina View Improvements and the 241 Loma Improvements.
Previous Year-End Highlights
Watch: 2024 Highlights
In 2024, TCA strived to implement programs that drive the region toward a better tomorrow. The 2024 highlights look back at the Agencies’ achievements and programs that drive the region toward a better tomorrow.
Watch: 2023 Highlights
In 2023, TCA continued to carry out our mission and vision by improving regional mobility and enhancing quality of life. The 2023 highlights reflect on TCA’s milestones and notable achievements from the past year.
