New guardrails approved for Willow Glen, Reche roads

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors authorized a construction contract which will include new guardrails along Willow Glen Road and Reche Road.

The supervisors’ 4-0 vote Jan. 7, with Greg Cox participating in California Coastal Commission activity, approved the advertisement for bid and subsequent award of a construction contract to install new guardrail segments and replace existing guardrail end sections at five locations in North County.

“Road safety is a high priority for the county, and we have a lot of roads in the unincorporated area that require special attention,” said Supervisor Bill Horn. “Guardrails are the last line of defense for out-of-control vehicles. Keeping them in good condition can save lives.”

Each year the county’s Department of Public Works repairs, installs, and replaces guardrails and end sections along roads where guardrails have been damaged or where DPW has determined the greatest need for new guardrails or to upgrade existing guardrails to current design standards.

A new Willow Glen Road guardrail which will be north of 1931 Willow Glen Road will provide 320 feet of protection. The 150 feet of Reche Road guardrail from 100 feet west of Ronica Way to 250 feet west of Ronica Way will be replaced and the sidewalk will also be repaired.

The $350,000 to fund the contract, which includes a contingency amount, was derived from $200,000 of Highway User Tax Account revenue obtained from sales tax on gasoline and $150,000 from a balance in the county’s Road Fund.

The design for the guardrail installations and replacements is complete, and since all work will be performed within existing county right-of-way, no right-of-way acquisition is needed. During construction, traffic control measures will be implemented to minimize impacts to travelers and the community. The construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2015 and be complete during summer 2015.