What grading of the driveway and sidewalk are needed at 54th Street and El Cajon Boulevard (eastbound)?
The driveway, sidewalk, and street need to be re-graded for a length of about 150 feet to achieve a more level street crossfall. This will involve complete removal and reconstruction of asphalt pavement, concrete curb & gutter, sidewalk, and driveway. The driveway portion of this construction would take about 24 hours with full driveway closure. However, the driveway could be closed at night or work could be staged to leave half the driveway open at all times.
What will happen to the water main and backflow preventer along the sidewalk in this re-graded section?
They will be moved. Timing will be coordinated to ensure no loss of water during business hours.
At the driveway from the El Pollo Loco center, will left turns onto El Cajon Boulevard continue to be allowed?
Yes.
Will parking be lost in the El Pollo Loco center?
No parking will be lost, but the drive aisle will be narrowed to 29 feet, which is above the minimum standard width.
Why is Fairmount Avenue between El Cajon Boulevard and Orange Avenue being planned for one-way operation
Fairmount Avenue is proposed to convert to one-way operation for several reasons. Currently, drivers utilizing El Cajon Boulevard often find themselves unexpectedly in a turn lane (since El Cajon Boulevard goes from three to two lanes east of Fairmount), and then have to merge to the left to go through. This causes some weaving and safety problems. This problem could worsen when the Mid-City Rapid station is built at the southwest corner. Also, conversion to one-way operation leaves more room on Fairmount to install diagonal parking. The conversion will be consistent with the Mid-City Community Plan. Access to several homes and businesses on the west side of Fairmount Avenue will require drivers to turn off El Cajon Boulevard a block sooner.
What is the rationale for moving the traffic signal from Polk Avenue to Lincoln Avenue?
There are a number of reasons. First, the city plans to install a traffic signal at Lincoln Avenue, so the project design accommodates this addition. We have heard comments from the community about not wanting signals at every intersection. The Polk intersection forms an unusual angle, making it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic. Removing the signal also allows through traffic, including buses, to flow more smoothly. However, a pedestrian crosswalk would be added, and pedestrian crossings would be protected by a flashing or solid red light during the pedestrian phase. The signal locations at Lincoln and Polk Avenues will be reviewed again during the final design phase of the project.
Can we save more of the on-street parking on Park Boulevard?
SANDAG staff is reviewing design plans for potential modifications to retain more parking and provide more replacement parking.
Will left turns be allowed at Howard Avenue?
Left turns will be allowed from Howard Avenue onto southbound Park Boulevard. However, drivers going north on Park Boulevard will not be allowed to turn left or make U-turns at Howard. They will have to go one block north to El Cajon Boulevard and make a U-turn. We are now refining the designs and will try to accommodate these left turns.
On Park Boulevard south of University Avenue, will there be a loss of on-street parking or restrictions on turning movements?
A bus storage pocket will be added for buses running in the northbound direction, but there will be no loss of parking or restrictions on turning movements.
Is it possible to move the Park Boulevard / El Cajon Boulevard station to El Cajon Boulevard?
This was investigated and rejected because visibility is limited while making the eastbound turns from Park Boulevard and Normal Street. Also, El Cajon Boulevard has a fairly steep grade at this location, making it difficult for passengers to board.