Yorba Linda, Anaheim view Savi Ranch mobility study to improve entrance, circulation pattern

Easier entrance to and better circulation throughout the Savi Ranch retail, office and industrial areas could become a reality, if proposals in a final draft Savi Ranch Mobility Feasibility Study are implemented.

Funding “opportunities” have already been identified to achieve some of the near-term goals identified in the 70-page study that's been reviewed by both Yorba Linda and Anaheim officials.

The mobility study builds on an extensive, 30-year “vision plan” for land use at Savi Ranch completed in 2014. The new mobility report was viewed by Yorba Linda's City Council at a July 17 meeting and commented on by Anaheim's planning staff in a June 26 letter.

One near-term project is widening Yorba Linda Boulevard from La Palma Avenue to Santa Ana Canyon Road, including the bridge over the Santa Ana River, allowing longer turn lanes.

Another project is widening Savi Ranch Parkway and providing for three westbound left-turn lanes and two westbound right-turn lanes on Savi Ranch Parkway at Yorba Linda Boulevard.

Estimated cost for the Yorba Linda Boulevard widening is $19.2 million. A $375,000 Orange County Transportation Agency grant will partially fund some engineering and environmental clearance. The Savi Ranch Parkway widening is estimated at $3.3 million.

Both projects have been added to Yorba Linda's seven-year capital improvement program, with the city hoping to add Savi Ranch Parkway to the transportation agency's master plan for arterial highways, which would qualify the street for future grant funding.

Among the longer-term projects evaluated in the study is a refined Santa Ana River bridge alignment that would allow a secondary access to Savi Ranch commercial establishments.

Eastpark Drive would be extended through the parking lot between Kohl's and Michael's, across the Santa Ana River and connect to La Palma Avenue at a signalized intersection.

The roadway and bridge improvements could be implemented with no displacement of existing buildings to create “an entertainment zone, outdoor family area and increased food and retail opportunities,” the study states.

The estimated cost is $44.3 million. The study notes, “Further cost-benefit analysis is warranted, and funding mechanisms necessary to raise the capital will have to be evaluated.”

Other sections of the study deal with a number of proposals for improving circulation within the complex, including a refined version of an “outer ring road” detailed in previous reports. The study also presented plans for greater pedestrian and bicycle routes protected from traffic.

One interesting comment from Anaheim regarding financing: “A long-term funding source, such as a Community Facilities District, tied specifically to the changes in land use, should be considered to implement the improvements driven by the proposed project.”

Yorba Linda's response to Anaheim's Mello-Roos tax proposal: “Comment received.”