How Do We Fix the Plaza Traffic Issues? A Critical Moment for Safety in Old Towne
For years, residents have raised concerns as cars continue to jump the curb and enter Plaza Park—sometimes missing pedestrians by only a few feet. Recent accident diagrams prepared for the City show just how often vehicles have breached the park’s perimeter from multiple directions, making it clear that the problem can no longer be brushed aside.
On December 10, the City of Orange Traffic Commission, led by Chairman Feliz and Vice Chair Ricci, will review the latest proposed solutions. Their recommendations will then move on to the City Council for final consideration. With repeated collisions and documented safety hazards, the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of public safety in the Plaza.
What the Traffic Study Shows
To get an objective assessment, the City hired Fehr & Peers, a well-known traffic engineering firm. Their findings are straightforward: meaningful physical improvements, not cosmetic landscaping, are necessary to reduce the number of vehicles entering the park.
Two solutions rise to the top:
1. Raised Splitter Islands
Splitter islands would slow cars as they approach the Plaza, guide them into the correct traffic pattern, and provide a physical buffer before they enter the circular roadway. The consultants noted that these islands are among the most effective tools for reducing speeds and preventing errant vehicles from heading straight into Plaza Park. A concept layout released by the City shows how the islands would reshape the approaches and create consistent deflection points at each corner.
2. Additional Crash-Rated Bollards
The Plaza currently has bollards, but large gaps remain, many in the exact areas where recent vehicles have entered the park. Extending bollards across these openings would create a continuous protective line without blocking pedestrian pathways. According to the engineering review, these upgraded bollards would significantly reduce the chance of future incursions.
Preservation Groups Propose Only Vegetation
Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) and Orange Legacy, the two main preservation groups in the area, have pushed for a far lighter measure: adding more vegetation instead of installing additional bollards. Their argument centers on historic aesthetics, claiming that bollards do not fit Old Towne's character.
The concern many residents have voiced, and one the accident history supports, is that shrubs will not stop a speeding vehicle. With the number of collisions that have occurred, relying on plants as a barrier falls short of addressing the real danger. Preserving historical charm is important, but not at the expense of public safety.
The Street Fair Factor
There is another wrinkle that has quietly influenced the debate. OTPA is closely tied to the Orange International Street Fair and benefits financially from the event. Installing splitter islands would reduce booth space, which could cut into Street Fair revenue, estimated at roughly $50,000. This financial impact has contributed to OTPA’s reluctance to support the splitter island proposal, even though the islands are considered one of the most effective safety improvements.
Why Action Matters Now
The City has ample documentation showing ongoing safety risks. If the City chooses not to act, it increases its exposure to premise liability, especially given the number of similar incidents that have already occurred. In other words, doing nothing is no longer a defensible option.
Moving Forward
The December 10th Traffic Commission meeting is an important step toward finally making Plaza Park safer for everyone, residents, visitors, and local businesses alike. The engineering solutions are ready, the risks are well-documented, and the community deserves meaningful action. Public safety should take priority, and this is the moment for Orange to make that commitment clear.