Northwest Orange County Areawide Transportation Study (NOWOCATS)

Northwest Orange County, home to a mix of long-established communities, expanding suburban neighborhoods, and key commercial and industrial areas, is projected to face increasing transportation mobility challenges in the coming years. Several major corridors are already experiencing traffic volumes that exceed their capacity, and continued growth in population, employment, and development activity will further strain the existing transportation system. Without strategic planning and investment, the current infrastructure in Northwest Orange County will not be able to meet the area’s future mobility demands.

To proactively address these challenges, Orange County has initiated NOWOCATS to develop a transportation system that can support anticipated growth while preserving the unique character of the region. The study will function as a long-range transportation plan, identifying and analyzing potential projects to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility for all modes of travel – including vehicles, transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. Through a comprehensive and inclusive public engagement process, NOWOCATS will produce a prioritized list of roadway and intersection improvements. This plan will guide short-term capital investment decisions and serve as a strategic framework for aligning future land use with transportation needs.

We encourage you to sign up to receive project updates, submit your feedback using the online tool, and spread the word to others in your community about this important effort.

Study Area

For a larger view click on the study area map image.