Throat Project Update

by Councilman Scott Peters
for the La Jolla Village News
April 2003

Several months ago I gave you an update on the "Throat" reconfiguration project. Many of you responded and appreciated the information. We have passed some important milestones recently and I wanted to give you the latest. The reconfiguration of this intersection will vastly improve the quality of life for all those who live in La Jolla and all who pass through this infamously crowded intersection on their way to the beach, a restaurant or shop. The projections show that the improvements to the intersection will reduce congestion by up to 60%. Again, I thank you for your patience for a few more months so that we can realize the benefits of this work. Below are the updated and new answers to some of your questions.

When will the night work end?
The night work has ended! Many in the community can get a good night sleep now that the night work has ended. Isolated activities such as pipeline testing, resurfacing, and traffic signal activations may require some night work in the next few months, but the constant noise and disruption at night is over. We will be holding an end of night work party for affected residents in mid April. Please call my office for more details.

Have you been able to fix the problems with the signal timing?
Some of the delays in and out of the Village are unavoidable, but some are caused by the light being incorrectly timed. Despite my badgering, we have been unable to completely solve the problems related to the signal timing. We have, however, gotten the City Manger's commitment to increase monitoring of the situation. In addition, he will either install a signal timer that will automatically correct delays from mistiming, or he will create a 24-hour hotline for people to call if the lights are causing problems. Either measure will provide much quicker response to signal timing, and will save my wife's hairdresser a few phone calls to my office.

What is being done to help the neighbors on Ardath Road where the Oleanders were removed?
At this portion of the project, the City has actually moved La Jolla Parkway closer to the homes on Old Ardath Road, increasing the impacts of noise. The first proposal for tempering this impact was a chain link fence. However, I have asked that the staff construct a stone sound wall, matching the wall near the fire station, which we were able to do within the project budget. It's fairer to the affected residents and much more attractive for the entry and exit from La Jolla.

What is the status of the signs changing from Ardath Road to La Jolla Parkway?
The new La Jolla Parkway signs on the I-5 and 52 freeways are in! The signs went in without much fanfare, but I am pleased that we now have more effective freeway identification for our community. New signs within the bounds of the intersection project will be installed with the new signals that will come near the completion of the project in September.

We are still on schedule to complete all of the major roadway work by September 2003, and I appreciate all of the patience La Jollans have shown during this project. If you have additional questions or need more information about the project please call the project hotline at 619-533-7539 or go to my web site at www.sandiego.gov/cd1. I look forward to celebrating the opening of the intersection with you in September.