Removing Gridlock From Orange County's Streets

Poor road planning has led to chronic gridlock, and county planners face a growing population that is frustrated with current traffic levels.

1 minute read

June 22, 2001, 8:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"In 1989 the County Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive plan for road-building in south Orange County to "ensure that the transportation system will continue to function in a satisfactory manner" as the area developed. Twelve years later, four of those roads - El Toro Road, Lake Forest Drive, Alicia Parkway and the southern portion of Alton Parkway - are rated among the county's most clogged. One isn't built. And several congested intersections slated for improvement, including El Toro and Rockfield, remain untouched." The plan's shortcomings are indicative of more widespread flaws in Orange County's attempts to handle traffic generated by rapid economic and population growth.

Thanks to Christian Peralta

Sunday, June 17, 2001 in Orange County Register

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Wood-frame two-story rowhouses under construction.

Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’

If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.

April 11, 2024 - James Jennings

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

Close-up of row of electric cars plugged into chargers at outdoor station.

Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size

City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.

April 22 - Austin Monitor

Green hills with orange California poppies in bloom in foreground in Chino Hills State Park, California.

Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient

A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.

April 22 - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.