Update issued on portable traffic signal coming to Horizon West

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson has issued an update on the new portable traffic signal coming to Horizon West.

The new device will improve traffic safety at the intersection of Avalon and Schofield roads.

"It was clear to me, and many of you, that a temporary measure was needed urgently while we wait for a more permanent solution," Wilson said in the update shared on social media March 27.

Earlier this month, the speed limit on Avalon Road was changed from 55 to 45 mph, to 40 mph between Phil Ritson Way and north of Davenport Road.

Next, signs will be installed to warn of a traffic pattern change for the new signal.

The portable signal will go into yellow/red flashing mode April 16, and the device will be operational April 23. 

Wilson — who first announced the portable signal was coming to the intersection at a community meeting in February — has been fighting for the temporary solutions until a permanent solution can be arranged.

“Permanent safety measures for dangerous intersections can take a long time to secure and install,” Wilson said in a statement to the Orange Observer in March. “In the meantime, the safety threat remains. Since hearing from concerned residents in January, I have urged Public Works to prioritize finding a temporary measure to help improve conditions at the intersection of Avalon and Schofield roads. We helped Public Works obtain necessary documentation, and the result is an incoming purchase order for a temporary signal.”

The new device comes following multiple area crashes in recent months. 

The intersection currently has a single stop sign for drivers turning onto Avalon from eastbound Schofield Road.

The new temporary solution should help mitigate the traffic incidents at the popular intersection that is often used to enter and exit State Road 429, at Exit 13. 

Read the Observer's previous report on the portable traffic signal here.