Ramona Community Planning Group Talks Route 67 Median Barrier Options

For more information on the project read: Caltrans Shows Options for SR-67 Median Barrier Project

The Ramona Community Planning Group (RCPG) debated the options recently presented by Caltrans for the Route 67 Median Barrier project at their meeting last week.


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 the majority of the road between Willow Road and Shady Oaks Drive.

The planning group voted to approve a motion suggesting to Caltrans that no medians should be installed from Quail Rock Road east to Ramona. Only Paul Stykel opposed and Donna Myers abstained.

"From a traffic and engineering standpoint, I'm surprised Caltrans is so fired up about this project," said planner Carl Hickman, a traffic engineer for the county.

He was concerned that too many driveways will become impacted and more problems will be created than solved. Hickman described "gore points" that could be created, as people slow down to turn left into their driveways it increases the likelihood that they could get hit by faster moving vehicles.

RCPG Chair Jim Piva said he didn't like the idea of limiting evacuation options for residents along Route 67. Caltrans previously said they will be meeting with various community planning and homeowner groups, especially concerning potential affects on fire evacuation plans.

"Traffic studies show that when you divide a barrier, speeds go up," Hickman added.

He said drivers feel more comfortable in their segmented lane and speeds go up as a result.

Planner Paul Stykel said that his biggest fear driving Route 67 is drivers on their cell phones drifting out of their lane, a problem he felt would be relieved by a median barrier.

"Any barrier that saves a life I'm in favor of," said RCPG member Jim Cooper, a sentiment echoed by many on the committee. He recalled an accident that especially stuck in his memory, and his hopes that such incidents could be avoided in the future.

The Sheriff's Department representative in the room read a statement that said the Department supports a safer SR-67 and any design that would accomplish that goal.

The RCPG decided that the nearly 60 driveways between Quail Rock Road and Highland Valley Road makes that area not suitable for a median barrier.

The public review period for the project ends September 23. Comments on the project can be emailed to ct.public.information.d11@dot.ca.gov or mailed to the Caltrans District Office at 4050 Taylor Street MS-121 San Diego CA 92110.

COMMENT: Do you think Route 67 should have median barriers in Ramona?