First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study

Project Background

The Public Works Agency’s (PWA) Engineering Division is responsible for the administration and oversight of all Capital Improvement Projects in the City. As per the approved General Plan Update (adopted in April of 2022), First Street is envisioned to be a multimodal corridor through a series of safety and infrastructure improvements and enhancements. These improvements will benefit the Santa Ana residents who utilize OCTA’s Route 64, identified as one of the highest ridership bus routes in Orange County. Route 64 services Orange County bus riders from Westminster Mall to the west and to the Larwin Square Shopping Mall to the east in Tustin, while traversing right through the heart of the City of Santa Ana on First Street between Bristol Street and Tustin Avenue. The route consists of approximately 90 stops covering both directions with nearly 50 of them in Santa Ana.

On April 12, 2023, The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) submitted an application to Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grant funding on behalf of the City of Santa Ana, which seeks to accelerate progress towards state housing goals and climate commitments through strengthened partnerships between the state, its regions, and local entities. REAP 2.0 seeks to accelerate infill housing developments, reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled, increase housing supply at all affordability levels, affirmatively further fair housing, and facilitate the implementation of adopted regional and local plans to achieve these goals.

On July 6, 2023, SCAG awarded OCTA REAP 2.0 grant funds for planning, outreach, transit, active transportation, and transit signal priority projects, which included funding for the proposed project, the First Street Boulevard Multimodal Study. The study will look at options to enhance transportation along First Street by assessing the feasibility of various infrastructure improvements through extensive community outreach, field data analyses, modeling, design, and environmental clearance with the intent of identifying and designing a locally preferred alternative.

What is the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study

The First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study will transform the almost 3-mile First Street corridor from Bristol Street to Tustin Avenue into a vibrant corridor that prioritizes safety, connectivity, and accessibility for all modes of travel regardless of age or ability. The first phase involves a comprehensive evaluation of existing conditions, the second phase will develop up to three design alternatives, and the last phase includes design of the locally preferred alternative. The locally alternative will be a direct reflection of feedback and input we receive from the community, stakeholders, and City Council. Once design is complete, the City, in partnership with OCTA, will identify opportunities to secure funding for construction.

Project Website

For a detailed description of the project, list of upcoming and/or past community outreach events, and for live updates on the progress please visit:
bit.ly/MovingForwardOnFirst

Project Goals and Objectives

• A safer First Street.
• Better access for people looking to walk, bike, ride, or roll on First Street.
• A corridor that supports healthy lifestyles for every member of our community.

Corridor Study Map

The 3-mile study corridor lies in the heart of Santa Ana, connecting people to important services, dining, entertainment, and critical public services.