Latest news with #OrangeCountyPublicWorks
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kirkman Road extension will be ‘epic' for both theme park traffic and local commuters
It's been a long time coming! And we're not just talking about Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Something equally as 'epic' has arrived for Orlando commuters: The Kirkman Road Extension Project. 'It's been 25 years in the making,' said Ken Leeming of Orange County Public Works. For years, drivers in the area had just two north-south road options — International Drive and Universal Boulevard. Then came Universal's plans for its new park, Epic Universe. 'That allowed for the partnership to join hands and make the project a reality,' Leeming said. Channel 9 has tracked the Kirkman Road Extension from concept to construction — and now, to completion. 'This is not a project for Universal alone,' Leeming emphasized. 'It's a project for Orange County residents.' So how does it work? Drivers heading southbound on Kirkman Road toward Epic Universe will drive onto the elevated circle and make a direct turn into the park. Local traffic on Kirkman Road will stay on the ground level, avoiding congestion with park-goers. Northbound traffic, however, does not have direct access to the elevated circle — Epic Universe traffic will turn into the park down below. The design accounts for public transit as well. 'You also have dedicated transit lanes,' Leeming said. 'Which means that buses are not stuck in traffic.' It's a major win for both locals and tourists. With Kirkman's new route, drivers now have another much-needed option for north-south travel in an increasingly busy part of Orange County. Leeming has worked on dozens of highway construction projects during his career. But this one was different. 'This tops the list,' he said. Not because of the magnitude or appeal of the elevated circle — but because of the relief for residents and the overall benefit for local traffic. Plans are already in motion on another extension of Kirkman Road to Destination Parkway. Leeming confirmed the design work is nearly complete. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Major' Mudflow Prompts Closure of Orange County Road
A 'major' mudflow swept over a road and left debris in its wake near Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County, California, overnight into Friday morning, February 14, as heavy rains fell across the region, officials said. The mud flowed down burn scars left behind by the Airport Fire, which broke out in September and burned at least 23,526 acres across Orange and Riverside counties before contained after 26 days. Footage from Orange County Public Works shows water raging down Trabuco Creek as tree trunks and branches pile up on Trabuco Canyon Road. The road would remain closed as crews 'clear debris, inspect the bridge and reposition K-rail barriers,' they said. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Ahead of the storm, evacuations were ordered in three areas affected by the burn scars - Trabuco Canyon, Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon - and crews removed several of the concrete 'K-rail barriers' on the side of Trabuco Canyon Road to allow the mud to flow across it, and to avoid flooding in the surrounding area. Mudflows were reported in several other areas, including Topanga Canyon, the San Bernardino Mountains, where the Line Fire left a burn scar, and on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Malibu and Pacific Palisades, where the Palisades Fire broke out in January. Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott said a firefighter driving on PCH escaped with minor injuries after their vehicle was 'swept off' the road by a mud flow and 'into the ocean.' Credit: OC Public Works via Storyful
