Agenda - 05-15-1990 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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19 2.6 TRANSPORTATION GENERAL FRA243NORK While providing a vital service function, the means and manner by which people and goods are transported influences the physical development pattern throughout Orange County. Areas which are served by the most convenient transportation access are the most appropriate locations for centers of employment, leisure activities, schools, services, and commercial and industrial activity. Residents of the County require an adequate transportation network to insure convenient and safe access to such activities and, generally, their locational decisions are influenced by such transportation related factors. The interrelatedness of land use and transportation are key factors in the County's overall Comprehensive Plan. The separate considerations of the transportation system and process will be further detailed in the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. This element is undergoing formulation at this time, and should be completed in late 1989. The primary means of transportation in the County is the road system. The system serves two main functions: traffic movement and land service. Given the potential incompatibility of these two functions, efforts should be directed at balancing the two functions through an integrated system. This requires consideration of the location and distribution of the population; the intensity and spatial distribution of land uses and their potential for traffic generation; and the economic character of the County. The relationship between residential and commercial uses and the adequacy of the road system is particularly important as the system integrates and links such uses, providing access between homes and the goods and services needed and demanded by County residents. However, the adequacy of the road system can be determined from two perspectives. The individual county resident evaluates the system on the basis of user objectives such as speed, convenience, safety and cost. In broader terms, the system is evaluated on the basis of its impact on the economic growth potential and the general ambiance or environmental character of the County. It is clearly important that neither of these factors can be excluded in the provision of transportation services for Orange County as they are interrelated and interconnected elements. DESCRIPTION OF THE ROAD NETWORK IN THE COUNTY Orange County contains a relatively adequate road network. Major Population and employment centers are linked throughout most areas of the County - primarily by Interstates 85 and 40. The presence of a widespread state - maintained rural highway system has significantly "opened up" the rural areas of the County for residential development. Subsequently, residential pressures in these rural