Rancho Santa Margarita council approves cooperative agreement to sync Antonio Parkway signals

The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council on a unanimous vote approved a cooperative agreement with the County of Orange to synchronize traffic signals along Antonio Parkway and neighboring arterials, backing a project budgeted at about $3.3 million.

City staff presenting the item said the project covers roughly 13 miles of corridor and will coordinate 45 traffic signals across multiple jurisdictions. "Since the majority of the signals in this project are located within city limits, City of Rancho Santa Margarita will be the project lead for this project," said Mr. Parco, the staff presenter. Funding comes through the Orange County Transportation Authority's (OCTA) Project P program, which will provide approximately 80% of the total (about $2.6 million); the city will provide a 20% match of roughly $653,000 using AQMD funds.

The project scope includes fiber-optic communications, Ethernet switches, controller cabinet upgrades, video detection systems, selected CCTV cameras, accessible pedestrian signals and corridor-wide signal timing and coordination plans. The presenter said design began in June 2025, with design completion expected around November 2026, construction starting in March 2027 for about one year, and final completion and the end of the operations and maintenance period expected in May 2030.

Council members asked technical and operational questions. Councilmember Figueroa asked about interjurisdictional coordination; Parco said monthly coordination meetings will include the County of Orange, Caltrans, neighboring cities and the consulting team. Councilmember Barrett asked about the function and use of video detection systems versus CCTV cameras; Jalap Sadam, president of AG Engineers, said the video detection systems are for real-time vehicle detection (not recording) and a separate set of cameras can be used at selected intersections. Sadam added that equipment life varies — cameras typically 7–10 years and controllers 5–10 years — and that corridor timing typically yields "anywhere from 10%, 12% improvement" when first implemented, though timing needs periodic adjustment as traffic patterns change.

Supporters at the dais emphasized expected safety and environmental benefits: improved traffic flow reduces stop-and-go driving, which can cut emissions and lower crash risk at intersections. After discussion the council moved, seconded and approved the staff recommendation unanimously.

With council approval, staff will finalize the cooperative agreement with the County of Orange and continue design work ahead of the planned March 2027 construction start.