241/91 Express Connector Traffic Modeling Support
The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors approved a task order with Stantec Consulting, Inc., to provide additional traffic analysis services for the 241/91 Express Connector Project. To support the development and completion of various interagency partner agreements, additional traffic modeling will be conducted to assess progressive demand management tools to meet performance measures along the 241 and 91 corridors.
TCA continues to work in partnership with Caltrans, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), and the efforts expended has led to many valuable project refinements and clarity of operating conditions.
The results of the additional traffic analysis will show expected toll rates and projected volumes on the Express Connector and 91 Express Lanes using the progressive demand management approach. The analyses will support the completion of the project’s interagency agreements and the development of ongoing operation procedures to be used when the project is open to motorists, as early as 2028.
The 241/91 Express Connector Project will provide a direct, median-to-median connection between the 241 Toll Road and the 91 Express Lanes. The project will improve traffic flow on the 241 Toll Road and in the general-purpose lanes on SR-91.
Saddle Club Preservation Property Project
The F/ETCA Board of Directors approved a contract with Unlimited Environmental Inc., for demolition work with authority to add salvage of material for the Saddle Club Preservation Property Project (SCPP). The project, located in Trabuco Canyon, was acquired in December 2017 by the F/ETCA as mitigation for future Capital Improvement Programs, such as the 241/91 Express Connector and 241 Loma Improvements Projects. The site is home to oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and riparian habitat and strengthens regional wildlife movement among the corridors.
Orange County Public Works recently approved the Site Use Plan and Site Development Permit for the SCPP as submitted by the F/ETCA, allowing for on-site demolition, salvage of identified structures, and preservation of historic features, as well as implementation of conservation and recreational features. The site will be one of TCA’ s first open spaces to allow a pilot program for public recreation use, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.
The demolition activities on the project will begin in fall 2024. This first phase is necessary to remove existing structures so conservation activities and construction of a multi-use trail can be implemented on the property. Preserved elements on the property include a water tank, an equestrian shade structure and horse ties. Demolition and salvage activities will be completed by the end of 2024.
Environmental Video
TCA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Chamberlain shared the Agencies’ new environmental video, highlighting TCA’s focus on conservation stewardship and efforts. For over 30 years, TCA has been committed to balancing construction and operations of its system with the preservation of its 2,100 acres of open space and wildlife habitat which spans across 17 mitigation sites.
TCA’s dedication to innovation goes beyond operating The Toll Roads. The Agencies’ environmental programs and initiatives have established TCA as an industry leader by protecting Orange County’s fragile habitats and the wildlife within them for generations to come.
To learn more about the Agencies’ commitment to environmental preservation, visit TheTollRoads.com.
