Cities throughout Orange County will receive more than $26 million in transportation sales tax funds to help ease traffic by making improvements to streets and traffic light timing.
OCTA awarded funding for nine projects that will improve and widen busy streets and intersections, totaling $10.2 million.
Five additional projects will receive funding to synchronize traffic signals to ensure drivers hit the most green lights during peak traffic hours. That funding totals $16.2 million. The funds are available through OC Go, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as Measure M.
“This is another great example of what OCTA does to improve the transportation network for all of Orange County, ensuring we keep our promises to the voters who approved Measure M,” said OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy, also the Mayor of Orange.
Since the sales tax measure was renewed by voters in 2006, more than $482 million in competitive funding has been awarded to make Orange County streets better. That amount includes external funding leveraged by OC Go funds. And that’s in addition to another $500 million-plus in formula funding. OCTA distributes funds on a formula basis to eligible local jurisdictions based on population, proximity to Master Plan of Arterial Highways and share of countywide taxable sales.
The most recent call for projects was issued by OCTA in August 2021 through the Comprehensive Transportation Funding Program, making funding available on a competitive basis for projects that will improve congested streets and synchronize traffic signals.
Project applications were reviewed for eligibility, consistency and adherence to the program guidelines.
“By working with our partners in cities across Orange County to improve streets and synchronize traffic signals, OCTA continues to fulfill the mission of keeping Orange County moving safely and efficiently,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson.
Those receiving funds for projects include Anaheim (two projects), Brea, Garden Grove, Irvine (two projects), Orange, Santa Ana and Yorba Linda.
Cities receiving funds for traffic signal synchronization include Irvine, La Habra, Laguna Niguel (two projects), and Yorba Linda.