News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Signal Lights Operational on Highway 18 (Update)

Signal Lights Operational on Highway 18 (Update)

Located At Highway 18 and Lake Gregory Drive

By Michael P. Neufeld
Thursday, July 29, 2010

Update - Thursday 4 p.m.

Arrowhead Highlands, CA - The traffic signals on Highway 18 at Lake Gregory Drive are now operational.

The traffic signal at Highway 18 and Lake Gregory Drive has been activated and motorists are starting to adjust to the changes at the intersection. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

RIMOFTHEWORLD.net arrived on scene shortly after the lights were activated and watched as motorists adjusted first to flashing red lights and then waiting for their turn to proceed through the intersection once they got a green light.

The CalTrans contractor re-striped the road and also activated the dual flashing yellow lights placed in advance of the actual signals.

Dual flashing beacons have been installed in advance of the signal on Highway 18 just prior to Lake Gregory Drive. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The state funded State Highway Operation Protection Program (SHOPP) project was awarded to P.T.M. General Engineering Service Inc. of Riverside for approximately $250,000.

On Monday, May 3, P.T.M. crews began emplacing signs throughout the area notifying motorists of the construction zone. Then the morning of Thursday, July 29, the signals were activated.

Original Story

Arrowhead Highlands, CA - Construction of the traffic signal at Highway 18 and Lake Gregory Drive continues with the CalTrans contractor placing the poles and signal lights on Monday, July 12.

The contractor placing signal lights at Highway 18 and Lake Gregory Drive in the Arrowhead Highlands area has now placed the poles and signals in the state right-of-way. They will be operational soon. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The signal, which is not yet operational, is being installed according to the state's transportation agency to reduce traffic collisions.

STOP CalTrans Now spokesperson Aaron Creighton has called the project "idiotic" and disputes CalTrans' figures of accidents at the intersection, just east of Crest Forest Drive.

Motorists on Highway 18 are scheduled to have some time to get used to the traffic signal at Lake Gregory Drive before the upcoming winter season. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

THE PROJECT

The actual installation project began on Monday, May 3, as P.T.M. crews placed signs throughout the area notifying motorists of the construction zone. It is expected to be completed soon.

"Our goal," according to a CalTrans advisory, "is to install the signal in time for drivers to become familiar with the signal before the winter season."

The project includes installing dual flashing beacons on Highway 18, in advance of the intersection. Traffic sensors have been installed to activate left turn movements only when motorists are present to keep traffic flowing on Highway 18.

The striping on southbound Highway 18 at Lake Gregory Drive will be shifted toward the center of the roadway to improve lane alignments for through traffic and right-turn only lanes.

The state funded State Highway Operation Protection Program (SHOPP) project is being done by P.T.M. General Engineering Service Inc. of Riverside for approximately $250,000.

Installing the signal light on Highway 18 at Lake Gregory Drive will include placing dual flashing lights in advance of the intersection. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

DUAL FLASHING BEACONS

Dual flashing beacons will be installed in advance of the signal on Highway 18.

"The beacons will offer enhanced visibility in the fog and at night," according to the commuter alert.

The westbound beacon is being placed 1,720-feet from Lake Gregory Drive and the eastbound warning beacon 1,670-feet from the same intersection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CalTrans has posted project information at Project Information.

This article was first published on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 1:31 pm. This article has been viewed 2558 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Managing News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.