The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt Vision Zero, an effective
method of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by focusing on designing safer
roadways. Pine Hills, a thriving community that has seen impressive growth over the past decade, is one of the first areas of focus for the Vision Zero initiative.
Extensive work is underway in the Pine Hills area and Robinswood community to address safety concerns for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. Residents and neighborhood leaders met with representatives from Orange County Public Works, the Orange County
Sheriff’s Office, and Orange County Commission District 6 to share their concerns about the increased traffic in the area.
“As part of the early deployment of the Vision Zero strategies and mitigations, numerous traffic, pedestrian, and biking improvements are underway,” said Humberto Castillero, traffic engineering manager, Orange County Public Works Department. “In assessing the engineering solutions for these communities, several options were evaluated to manage both vehicular and non-vehicular traffic.”
Public Works has implemented what it refers to as the “4E” approach to engagement, which
focuses on the four critical components of traffic safety – engineering, enforcement, education and emergency services.
For the educational component, the Robinswood and Pine Hills communities will hold
meetings with residents to discuss traffic safety, initiate or enhance neighborhood watch programs and bring attention to pedestrian and bicycle safety on the residential streets.
The plan also includes adding modified speed cushions – traffic calming devices that include raised humps in the road and digital radar feedback signs – to accommodate the needs of Orange County’s emergency services.
While many safety improvement solutions are underway, other projects will take more time to
implement. One of the recently completed projects is the new traffic signal upgrade at the intersection of Balboa Dr. and Powers Dr. In addition to the new mast arm signal, ADA-compliant ramps were installed along with sidewalk improvements at the intersection.
Vision Zero initiative safety enhancements will continue in Pine Hills throughout the year.
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