Study Session on the New Traffic Signal at Great America Parkway and Hichborn Drive Related to the Irvine Company Project at 2518 Mission College Boulevard

Summary

This is a study session to review the new traffic signal at Great America Parkway (GAP) and Hichborn Drive. This signal was identified as necessary in the Freedom Circle Focus Area Plan (approved June 7, 2022) to support higher-intensity development. Additionally, the Irvine Company's residential apartment community project at 2518 Mission College Boulevard (approved March 25, 2025), which includes 1,792 residential units and 3,500 sq ft of retail, determined this signal was necessary to address project-related traffic impacts, specifically at GAP/Mission College Blvd and Mission College Blvd/Freedom Circle, which were experiencing Level of Service (LOS) F conditions during the PM peak hour.

Simulations show the new signal will improve traffic operations:

• Great America Parkway at Mission College Boulevard: PM Peak from LOS F to D
• Mission College Boulevard at Freedom Circle: PM Peak from LOS F to D

The signal will serve as an alternative access route, relieve congestion at surrounding intersections, and is not anticipated to have adverse traffic impacts. Stadium event operations will prioritize stadium ingress/egress, with Hichborn Drive movements at GAP temporarily closed during events.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect improved traffic flow and reduced congestion at key intersections near Great America Parkway and Mission College Boulevard due to the new traffic signal. This signal is intended to mitigate traffic impacts from new developments in the area.

Confidence

high