Chapman set to spend $1 million on new traffic light in 2026

Courtesy of Chapman University

A new traffic signal will be located at the entrance of the Anderson Parking Structure along Walnut Avenue, in an effort to increase safety and decrease traffic congestion. 

Harold Hewitt, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said the decision to install a new traffic light was largely in response to neighbors’ frustrations about traffic and dangerous drivers. 

“They have long been expressing frustration with Chapman for creating so much traffic and making it difficult for them to go into Walnut,” said Hewitt. 

The Anderson Parking Structure has been a point of contention for students over the years with hundreds of students flowing in and out through a singular entrance and exit point. Traffic congestion and a lack of parking have upset both faculty and students.    

“The wait times to get in and out of the parking lot have affected me being on time to class,” said Joe Hoodenpyle, a senior screen acting major. “We definitely need to do something about it.”

Alisa Driscoll, vice president of community relations, said the city of Orange conducted a traffic study in the area and determined the high volume of traffic required a traffic signal. 

“The traffic study reinforced the belief that the traffic signal would be the best option,” said Driscoll. 

She expanded saying the study also found the new installation would need to be compatible and synchronize with the existing light at Walnut. 

“Ideally, when the light turns green it is a straight shot down,” she said. “It really is increasing optimal transportation flow and safety.” 

After the study was completed recommendation was made to the city council and the new light installation was approved at the Nov. 12 meeting. 

Chapman will finance the new installation, estimated to cost $1 million. The university finances all traffic lights in close proximity to the school, since according to Hewitt, the city only provides authorization for these types of projects if the university agrees to pay for them. 

“The city does not provide us the support, the authorization, unless we pay for it,” he said. 

The average cost of a traffic light in this area is around $500,000. 

This project will involve installing two signals to ensure the traffic light at Anderson is synchronized with the one at Walnut, according to Hewitt. 

Hewitt addressed concerns over the budget deficit and Chapman spending an additional $1 million stating the signal is not paid for out of the operating budget. 

“No impact on the operating budget, zero, none, no impact,” said Hewitt. “This will be paid out of an undesignated plant fund.” 

The funding will come from the building and real estate acquisition fund, also known as  Building and Real Estate Acquisition (BREA), a fund made up of previously accumulated money from prior years’ operational budget that is controlled by the Board of Trustees. 

Hewitt addressed the email sent to faculty about suspending transfers into the BREA fund and delaying planned construction. He clarified that the existing funds in BREA would still be used, but nothing more will be added. 

Hewitt also emphasized the urgency of moving directly from the city's approval to construction.

“The city is very difficult to work with, so if they offered and we said no,” said Hewitt. “Who can guarantee me that they will offer again or when they will.” 

Many students are unaware of this new project as the university has not made an announcement, but flyers have been posted around neighborhoods nearby to inform residents. 

The new traffic light is expected to be completed in 2026 with some closures that will take place during off-peak hours to minimize inconvenience for local residents and limit traffic.