Construction on a dozen projects throughout Orange County, funded with help from the state’s Clean California initiative, is expected to get started this spring.

A mini park along the Santiago Creek Bike Trail in Orange, improvements to the First Street Caltrans Work Program parking lot in Santa Ana and landscape beautification at sites along multiple highways stretching across the county are among the projects that will receive some of $312 million being doled out around California for beautification on the state highway system.

The project funding is just one piece of the $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, which aims to help reduce litter, beautify public spaces and create jobs over the next few years.

Some of the 12 projects in Orange County along state rights-of-way include tree planting and mulching, weeds removal, decorative fencing or paving and measures that discourage illegal dumping.

Caltrans officials in a news release Thursday highlighted plans including improvements to made to the walking and biking path that runs under the 5 Freeway on El Horno Street in San Juan Capistrano and construction of a “decorative gateway monument with artistic features” near the 57 Freeway in Placentia.

Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said the agency “partnered with communities throughout California to identify and develop projects that meet the specific needs of each individual region while also enhancing and beautifying public spaces.”

In total, 126 projects on the state highway system across California are being funded with help from the pool of $312 million. Work is expected to begin in April.

“By working together, we are better able to restore public pride in our communities and help change the habits that create litter in the first place,” Omishakin said.

Another $296 million from the Clean California pot will go toward grants for projects that improve local streets and parks. The recipients of those will be announced next month.

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