Santa Ana examines multimodal redesign for First Street to reduce collisions and improve transit
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Summary
Public works staff and consultant HDR presented three design concepts for First Street that trade traffic lanes for pedestrian, bike and bus priority measures. Council emphasized pedestrian safety, bus priority and funding questions and directed staff to return with refined options and community feedback.
City staff and the HDR consulting team presented a multimodal study for First Street at the Feb. 17 City Council meeting that proposed three alternative corridor concepts intended to reduce collisions, improve bus reliability and create safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
Public Works Director Rudy Rosas and HDR project manager Don Wilson summarized collision data and travel patterns, noting First Street’s higher‑than‑average crash rate, significant pedestrian and cyclist involvement, and a corridor that serves many residents who do not have private vehicles. The team described three concepts: (1) minimal changes focused on signal priority and small safety improvements, (2) a lane‑reduced concept that creates separated bike/ped facilities and more crossing opportunities, and (3) a bus‑priority configuration with dedicated bus lanes and sidewalks/shared bike access.
The council’s discussion prioritized pedestrian safety, more frequent crosswalks, shaded sidewalks and protected bike lanes; several councilmembers said they supported elements of concept 2 and asked staff to explore funding and whether OCTA/OC‑transit agencies would commit more frequent bus service to justify bus lanes. Councilmembers also asked for clearer reporting on community outreach, survey responses and cost estimates; staff said the project had engaged more than 1,100 residents via events and over 3,180 online participants and would return with more detailed outreach results and technical refinements.
Council direction emphasized pursuing options that reduce speeds and improve safety for vulnerable road users while ensuring bus service providers can support bus‑priority investments. Staff will compile outreach results, cost estimates and recommended next steps for future council consideration.