Council approves a project to enhance pedestrian safety and other business

The City Council on Tuesday 8 gave the green light to a project that will enhance pedestrian safety at a busy intersection as well as received an update on the La Paz Bridge and Roadway Widening project, among other business.

The business portion of the meeting starts at 6 pm in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.

Council Members approved bid specifications for a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Traffic Signal Installation and Intersection Improvements project across Olympiad Road at the Lake Mission Viejo/Marty Russo Youth Athletic Park entrance. The project would provide a signalized crosswalk for pedestrians crossing Olympiad between the lake and park. The lake and Marty Russo Youth Athletic Park often provide overflow parking for their respective events, which generates pedestrian crossings on Olympiad Road between the two venues. Because these pedestrian crossings occur mainly during events, a standard traffic signal is unnecessary and would disrupt traffic flow. The HAWK signal is activated only when there is pedestrian crossing demand. Thus, the HAWK signal will provide safe pedestrian crossing while stopping traffic only when necessary. According to the Federal Highway Administration, HAWK signals can reduce pedestrian crashes by up to 69 percent.

In addition, Council Members received a status update from Public Works Director Mark Chagnon on the progress of the La Paz Bridge and Roadway Widening project.

With the 36th Annual Walk Against Drugs taking place on October 19, Crime Prevention Specialist TJ Robertson spoke about this time-honored event designed to encourage youth to live drug-free lifestyles.

The Council also proclaimed October 6-12 as Fire Prevention Week, and Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Cheyne Maule spoke about how residents can prepare for emergencies.

The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings are streamed live on the City's website and air on Cox Channel 30 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the City's eNewsletter and follow the City's official social media sites for the most accurate, up-to-date information.