From new sidewalks to a storm drain and improved street safety measures, the Rancho Bernardo Planning Board has created a wish list of infrastructure improvements it would like to see the city implement.
The board came up with the list at its July 18 meeting. The list needs to be submitted to the city’s planning department by mid-August for consideration and future funding.
Board members said during the meeting that some items, such as the storm drain, have been needed for many years.
Included on this year’s wish list are:
• Install a sidewalk on the east side of Escala Road between Devereux Road and Voisin Court because this area requires walking in the street or dirt.
• Extend the sidewalk along the north side of Bernardo Center Drive that currently ends about 420 feet west of Interstate 15. The area with no sidewalk goes from where it ends to HP’s driveway, about 180 feet east of Cloudcrest Drive. Without this sidewalk there is no easy or safe pedestrian access to the RB Transit Center from the commercial and residential areas east of I-15.
• Install a storm drain along Pomerado Road between Pomerado Court and Place because water accumulates in travel lanes and is a hazard to drivers due to its depth.
• Evaluate the traffic patterns on Bernardo Center Drive between Bernardo Heights Parkway and I-15 to address congestion and safety issues. Board members said there are multiple uncontrolled turning patterns in the area, such as those at the driveway for McDonald’s and the shopping center across from it, which can lead to accidents. Traffic is especially impacted during rush hours, which leads to a traffic backup on Bernardo Center Drive in both directions east of the freeway.
• Use luminous road lines to improve safety on appropriate roadways throughout RB to increase safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Suggested areas include Escala Drive where it extends through the Battle Mountain Open Space area and near schools, especially Westwood and Turtleback elementaries.
• Provide additional public restrooms at RB Community Park and RB Library.
• Install more solar panel-covered parking infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations in RB Community Park, especially in the main parking lot near the basketball courts and at the Piedras Pintadas Trailhead. Also suggested for the park’s east side where existing trees are not blocking the sun.
• Install VCalm L Series radar speed signs at all schools in RB where not already present.
Originally Published: