Integrating complete streets efforts into the Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) in Orange County

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is conducting a study to determine how the Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) Guidance can integrate complete streets efforts. As more cities in Orange County work to implement complete streets projects, which include arterials on the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH), further evaluation and amendments to the MPAH network are required. The effort to integrate more guidance on implementing complete streets projects into the MPAH is intended to facilitate complete streets project rather than limit them. These efforts aim to improve coordination between land use and transportation planning, further integrate the regional bikeways network and increase consideration of potential impacts to OCTA bus service.

How we helped

Steer teamed with Kittleson & Associates, Inc. to support with the integration of principles set out in the Orange County Complete Streets Initiative Design Handbook into the MPAH update. The Steer team is developing a layered network of all MPAH streets in the county to create priority networks for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, vehicles and goods movement. Cross-sections by modal priority and typology are being developed to give cities greater flexibility and guidance for implementing complete streets elements.