Wildomar's Most Dangerous Intersection Expected To Get Safer

The intersection at Clinton Keith Road and Hidden Springs Road in Wildomar has the distinction of being the most hazardous in the city, but a Caltrans grant is expected to ease the dangers.

On March 23, Wildomar City Manager Frank Oviedo announced the city will receive $99,000 in grant funds from the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program that will be used to install an LED left-turn signal at the busy Clinton Keith/Hidden Springs intersection.

The intersection will also be made more pedestrian-friendly, with pedestrian push-button signals, 400 feet of sidewalk construction, as well as upgrades to corners and curb ramps.

The project will also include relocation of illuminated street name signs.

From 2001 to 2010, a total of 85 traffic collisions occurred at the crossroads of Clinton Keith and Hidden Springs – the highest number of collisions at a Wildomar city intersection, according to documentation provided by Wildomar Public Works Director Tim D’Zmura, who worked to secure the Caltrans grant.

Of the 85 accidents, more than 30 broadside-collisions involving left-turning vehicles occurred. In total, 59 injuries and one fatality resulted, according to D'Zmura's documentation.

In addition to the $99,000 Cal Trans grant, the city will use $11,000 from the Measure A Traffic Signal Program as the required local match, according to D'Zmura.

3/24 UPDATE FROM TIM D'ZMURA:

"The project will be included in our fiscal year 2011-12 budget, which begins July 1. We anticipate that design will take place this Fall and construction next Spring."