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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City