UPPER LAKE — Dozens of Northshore residents turned out to the middle school gym Thursday evening as Caltrans presented two proposals to improve safety at the junction of highways 20 and 29.
“There was a huge turnout with many diverse opinions shared, in part because this is a visible intersection that the public experiences on a daily basis,” District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing said.
The attendees observed Caltrans” two options for the Upper Lake junction: a roundabout or traffic signals.
The T-intersection currently has a one-way stop for motorists approaching from Highway 29 and turning left (those turning right have a yield sign), and no stop signs for drivers traveling along Highway 20.
Changes are needed to better protect the driving public, according to Sebastian Cohen, project manager for Caltrans.
“There”s a high rate of collisions here,” he said.
According to Caltrans, the crash rate at the intersection is 3.7 times higher than the statewide average for similar junctions.
The roundabout would result in a “raised, central island” whereas the signals would produce protected left turns and an additional “receiving lane” for the eastbound direction of Highway 20, according to Caltrans.
Sidewalks and crosswalks are proposed under both options.
With the roundabout, collisions would become fewer in number and lower in severity, and traffic would flow at a steadier pace, according to Caltrans.
Traffic signals would cost almost $1 million less and impact fewer square feet of wetlands, Caltrans said.
The main differences in the price tags (estimated at $6.2 million for the roundabout and $5.2 million for signals) are about $440,000 for construction and nearly $520,000 for right-of-way access and environmental costs, according to Caltrans.
Though the final choice hasn”t been made, Cohen said, “We are liking what we see with the roundabout option.”
Rushing said she received varying feedback from citizens about the alternatives.
“Some do not like traffic circles because they worry that such a project will change the rural character of the area or that large trucks will not easily navigate the intersection; others cite how much safer traffic circles are and want that added safety for all,” she said.
Cohen said the public-comment period should remain open until mid-March. To submit input, contact Cohen at 441-3991 or sebastian_cohen@dot.ca.gov.
The project is in its early stages and still “years away,” with funding sources and other issues yet to be decided, Cohen said.
Construction could begin as soon as spring 2014, leading to possible completion that fall, he added.
Caltrans plans to build another roundabout in Lake County in the meantime.
Construction on a traffic circle at the intersection of Highway 20 and the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff is set to start in two months and could be finished by the winter.
That project will include drainage improvements, a center island, curbs and sidewalks.
An open house for the Nice roundabout is tentatively set for April 10, also at the Upper Lake Middle School gym.
