DEL MAR — Plans to improve traffic at the intersection of Jimmy Durante Boulevard and San Dieguito Drive are gearing up.
Council members at the March 2 meeting authorized a $64,440 contract with Kleinfelder West Inc. for a focused environmental impact report that will review four traffic control alternatives and determine their impacts.
Although the proposal from Kleinfelder focuses mainly on studying a roundabout, council members agreed the options should also include making it a four-way-stop intersection, adding a traffic signal and doing nothing.
The latter will likely not be selected since residents have long complained about traffic in the area and a number of studies have indicated a need for improvements there.
The addition of a roundabout was part on an ongoing sidewalk, street and drainage project but the traffic control measure was pulled after residents, especially those who live on San Dieguito Drive, expressed concerns, including that it would make it more difficult for them to turn onto Jimmy Durante during peak use times.
Councilman Dwight Worden requested the company specifically evaluate the impacts on people who live on San Dieguito and ways that those who control traffic for the Del Mar Fairgrounds can facilitate vehicular movement during events there.
Kleinfelder will collect traffic data on a typical weekday during the morning and afternoon and on a Saturday when an event is occurring at the fairgrounds.
Once completed the study will be available for a 45-day public review and comment period. The final document could be presented to council members for action in August.
