I don't post on this blog very often, but every now and then an article appears in my local newspaper about a gambling related topic I can share. This is taken from the San Diego Union-Tribune paper, North County edition and written by J. Harry Jones.
" Construction has begun at the dangerous intersection of State Route 76 and Valley Center Road where a modern roundabout -- a rarity on state highways -- should be built by the fall of 2018. The project is expected to cost $15.5 million and will cause periodic lane closures. The first is expected to take place in about two weeks. It will occur overnight according to CA DOT with one way traffic control in place.
The roundabout will replace the existing three-leg intersection, realigning the curves east of the intersection and increasing sight distance for vehicles approaching from the west. Other features include wide walks, a new bus pull-out, and landscaping. The roundabout will have four entrances, the one to the north to allow access to a business.
The area has long been known as "the stage coach stop" and has been the site of numerous fatal and other accidents over the decades. The only traffic control at the intersection now is a lone stop sign along Valley Center Road. HWY 76 drivers have the right-of-way and zip though the intersection quickly - sometimes too quickly - while those wishing to turn onto the highway have to wait.
A roundabout is a circular roadway through which vehicles travel counterclockwise within the intersection. Entering traffic must yield to circulating traffic. Studies show roundabouts reduce crashes because they require drivers to slow down significantly before entering. Between 2005 - 2009 there were 35 accidents at or near the site, 4 times the statewide average for similar intersections. More recent data isn't available.
Cues will include flashing beacons placed on all three legs, visible well before vehicles approach the intersection. The roundabout will also feature a raised central island around which traffic circulates and also spotter islands separating traffic entering and exiting the roundabout. A report from US DOT found roundabouts on two-lane rural highways reduce crashes by up to 68% and injury crashes by up to 88%."
The news story did not include any information or opinion about how all this new construction will affect the gamers who travel HWY 76 to visit Pala, Pauma, Harrahs SoCal, and Valley View. My husband and I travel that route every week...so I guess we'll soon find out.
