The Amenity Authority Committee is moving ahead with exploration of the possible addition of an extra lane of traffic at the Del Mar Gate.
Amber Gartner of Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc. on Wednesday provided the AAC with an overview of the current traffic situation at the gate.
She indicated that the majority of the traffic arriving at the gate is coming from Spanish Springs Town Square. She added that many vehicles are not coming to a complete stop at the four-way stop.
After the conclusion of major events at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, traffic backs up at the gate for up to 15 minutes, Gartner said.
“The backups are limited to very short periods of time,” Gartner said.
However, part of the problem is that when the gate is busy, traffic backs up into the intersection. Even when the gate is left open to speed up traffic flow, drivers are still stopping out of habit.
Gartner offered four possible solutions:
1. Install signage that says “Do Not Block Intersection.”
2. Gate management. Staff the gate during short periods of time at peak times.
3. Keep the gate arm open during busy times and install signage to facilitate traffic flow.
4. Install a second entry lane into the gate.
AAC Chair Ann Forrester said she doubted signage would work.
“If people don’t stop for a stop sign, I don’t think signage will make a difference,” Forrester said.
AAC members indicated they wish to explore the addition of installation of an extra lane.
However, some in the audience weren’t in favor of the idea.
Chuck Bondar of the Village of Rio Grande said the problem is the gate. He suggested getting rid of it.
“Take the damn thing away. It performs no purpose,” Bondar said.
Dan Bard of the Village of Mira Mesa also questioned the wisdom of a potentially expensive alteration at the gate.
“Have we had any accidents? The congestion is a headache, but why not let it be?” he asked.
