Orange Tackles Dangerous Traffic Circle with Major Safety Overhaul

Orange, CA – A notorious traffic circle in Orange, long a source of community anxiety and a site of frequent accidents, is finally getting a much-needed safety makeover. The Orange City Council has decisively approved a comprehensive plan to transform the dangerous intersection of Glassell and Palm, promising enhanced protection for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

For years, this particular traffic circle has been a focal point of concern, tragically earning a reputation as one of the city's most recurrent crash sites.

Data reveals a stark reality: over the past two years alone, ten significant collisions have occurred here, including one heartbreaking fatality that underscored the urgent need for intervention. Residents, many of whom navigate this circle daily with their children heading to nearby schools, have consistently voiced their fears and advocated for change, making their pleas heard loud and clear at city council meetings.

Responding to these calls, the City Council has given the green light to a robust package of immediate safety measures, costing approximately $250,000.

These vital funds will be drawn from Measure M2, the county's dedicated sales tax for transportation improvements. Councilmember Kathy Tavoularis echoed the community's sentiment, emphasizing that "prioritizing the safety of our residents, especially our children, is paramount."

The approved enhancements are multifaceted and designed to address various hazards:

• New Four-Way Stop Signs: To enforce slower speeds and clearer right-of-way.
• Enhanced Crosswalks with Flashing Beacons: Providing better visibility and protection for pedestrians.
• Painted "Speed Humps": Strategically placed to encourage drivers to reduce their speed as they approach and navigate the circle.
• Dedicated Bicycle Lanes: Creating safer passages for cyclists, separating them from vehicular traffic.

These initial steps are slated for installation by the summer, bringing a wave of relief to a community that has long braced for the next incident.

Looking further ahead, the council is also exploring the potential for a "mini-roundabout" at the location, a more permanent and advanced solution that could further optimize traffic flow and safety in the long term.

The announcement marks a significant victory for community advocacy and a testament to the city's commitment to public safety.

As Orange moves forward with these critical upgrades, residents can finally anticipate a safer future for an intersection that has, for too long, represented a tangible risk in their daily lives.