Orange County outlines upgrades to Horizon West roadways

Orange County’s Traffic Engineering Division presented its improvement plan to Hamlin Town Center during Hamlin’s community meeting Wednesday, Oct. 22. 

Orange County’s District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson facilitated the meeting. 

Humberto Castillero, Traffic Engineering Division manager, said the expected cost of the project ranges from $3 to $5 million. The upgrades are part of Orange County’s Vision Zero Action Plan. Its goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.

The plan includes adding six crosswalks, two traffic lights, three restrictions to directional median openings with pedestrian crossing and reducing nine median lengths. The left turn lane at the intersection coming east on New Independence Parkway and Hamlin Groves Trail will be converted into two lanes.

Castillero said his team is conducting a field review of the intersection. They need a local agreement with the Board Development Group. After that is obtained, they are hoping to build the left turn lane extension in the next six months.

The six additional crosswalks will be raised to force cars to slow down, and yellow flashing signs will be installed to signal usage. The two traffic lights will have crosswalks. 

Residents expressed their concerns with narrowing the median lengths. They said it already is challenging to pull a vehicle into a median without the tail or front end of the vehicle sticking out, and the temporary yellow curbs at medians have made it more challenging. 

Wilson proposed doing a site visit with Hamlin’s community members to visualize the issues discussed. The details with the date and invitation will be sent to residents who signed up to receive email.

Wilson said the district will improve its communication with residents. She wants to keep them as updated as possible on expected projects and the timelines.

The Traffic Engineering Division also provided updates on other projects in Hamlin and addressed other community concerns. 

Street lighting additions south of Porter Road are projected to be completed by 2027. The installation of the traffic light at Porter Road and Hamlin Groves Trail has been delayed because of a supply-chain issue across the country.