SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A new study will examine potential fixes for a confusing and dangerous intersection in University Heights.
The San Diego City Council included in its recently approved budget for next fiscal year $600,000 to commission this study in response to growing calls for change from the community.
“Ever since the bus lane got added into the middle of normal street I have on occasion found myself almost driving into the bus lane myself,” said District 3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn.
Like so many others, Whitburn knows how confusing the intersection in his district is to navigate. It links Park Boulevard, El Cajon Boulevard, and Normal Street, and is often busy and chaotic.
Making too sharp of a turn from El Cajon Boulevard to Normal Street could put a driver in front of opposing traffic or a bus-only lane.
“People have died at that intersection. There have been accidents at that intersection. We’ve got to fix it,” said Whitburn.
A SANDAG Traffic Safety Dashboard map shows there have been around 30 collisions at the intersection between 2012 and 2022.
Yellow tape surrounds broken fencing at the dog park that sits on El Cajon and Park Boulevards –evidence of a recent crash.
$600,000 included in the city’s budget for next fiscal year will fund a feasibility study to look at potential improvements to the intersection.
“This is definitely a step in the right direction. We’re glad that we’re seeing them do this, but there’s a lot of hotspots around the city,” said Colin Parent, CEO and General Counsel for Circulate San Diego.
Parent is part of an advocacy group pushing for safer streets throughout San Diego. He said they’d like to see the city prioritize infrastructure improvements where they’re needed most and keep timing in mind.
“Promptly move forward with making some treatments to make sure this is safer for not just the motorists, but also for the pedestrians, the bicyclists, and anyone else planning to use the street,” said Parent.
A petition started by Whitburn last month has over 1,600 signatures and now the city’s Transportation Department will get to work.
“Do we need a traffic circle there? Do we need to square that intersection out so that it’s a traditional four-way stop? Unsure which is the best solution. We’re going to explore the options, see what would work best, and then get down to fixing it,” said Whitburn.
The councilmember added that the study could be completed within the next year and will help determine how much a redesign of the intersection could cost.
