Planning Group Reconsiders SR-67 Median Barrier Project

The Ramona Planning Group took another look at the Route 67 Median Barrier project at their October meeting, with some members reconsidering a previous decision to send a message to Caltrans that no medians should be installed from Quail Rock Road east to Ramona. The latest plans for median barriers show they won't be installed east of Archie Moore, and the group discussed not sending a message to Caltrans until plans become more clear.

"Within our planning area there's not actually much barrier being considered," said planning boardmember Dennis Sprong.

"There's so little of the project that would affect Ramona it's hardly worth my attention," said Ramona Sheriff's Lt. James Bovet.

He said most of the barriers would be south of Scripps Poway Parkway, which wouldn't really affect evacuation routes because they go through Poway.

The group didn't end up re-voting on the subject, but tabled the topic until plans solidify for the project.

Caltrans held a public meeting in August displaying a new project meant to reduce the number and severity of accidents on Route 67. Alternatives considered include a concrete median barrier, a high tension cable median barrier, a metal median barrier and a median buffer. The median would be constructed along a good deal of the road between Willow Road and Shady Oaks Drive.

The planning group voted at their September meeting to approve a motion suggesting to Caltrans that no medians should be installed from Quail Rock Road east to Ramona.

The purpose of the project, to prevent crashes, was questioned by members of the group. A study was quoted by a boardmember stating that barriers on a highway increase accidents by 50 percent.

"They should be coming to us with accident rates to prove it's needed. They don't want to do that," said boardmember Richard Tomlinson. "There are many tools in the Caltrans toolbox to help with collisions. It's unusual for them to suggest barriers.