LAGUNA HILLS : Improvements to Intersection OKd

The City Council has given final approval for major improvements to the intersection of Moulton and Alicia parkways.

The changes that the council approved 3 to 1 at its last meeting will include double left-turn lanes and free right-turn lanes in all directions.

The projected $1.6 million in improvements, planned to begin by the end of the year, are expected to help traffic flow smoothly through the busy intersection. Cars currently back up during the morning and afternoon rush hours with commuters using it for access to the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways.

Mayor R. Craig Scott and Councilmen Joel T. Lautenschleger and L. Allan Songstad Jr. voted for the improvements, saying that waits will be shorter if cars don’t have to stop when they make a right turn.

Councilman Randal J. Bressette voted against the improvements. Councilwoman Melody Carruth was absent.

Bressette said he was concerned about the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists who would have to cross the free right-turn lane. He said he felt a right-turn arrow might better ensure safety.

The city and two homeowners’ associations next to the intersection are discussing the style of retaining walls to be installed after the intersection is widened.

Many of the homeowners in the Crestline and Lomas Laguna developments say they favor “green walls,” which are covered by vegetation to prevent graffiti vandalism.

But City Engineer Ken Rosenfield said rock walls would be just as pleasing to the eye and would not be subject to the damage that could plague the green walls’ sophisticated irrigation systems.

Funding for the improvement project comes from fees paid by housing developers along the Moulton corridor.

Moulton Parkway is one of four Orange County streets that have been designated for “smart street” improvements, including synchronized traffic signals and dedicated turn lanes. Improvements also are planned for where Moulton intersects La Paz Road and Oso Parkway.