FCPG supports signal for Stage Coach, Brooke Rd. intersection

The first step has been taken to request a traffic signal for a highly traveled, dangerous intersection in Fallbrook.

Members of the Fallbrook Community Planning Group (FCPG) gave their support for a traffic signal to be installed at the intersection of Brooke Road and Stage Coach Lane at their last board meeting, October 18.

According to Laurie Robinson, who has been spearheading the project, the intersection, which is adjacent to Christ the King Lutheran Church, has been a concern because of existing blind spots that cause motorists to creep out into traffic, and young, inexperienced drivers who are prevalent in that area due to it’s proximity to Fallbrook High School.

“We expected a bit of resistance from the FCPG, but the board members agreed with us, saying that this is one of the worst intersections in all of Fallbrook,” said Robinson, whose son, Jake Robinson, was seriously injured in an auto accident in September 2008.

“This is a main access to the high school, and there are a lot of new drivers and kids going to and from the high school on Stage Coach that drive too fast,” said Robinson. “Perhaps if there had been a light there, my son would still be walking.”

Phil Tukua, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, believes that aligning Calavo Rd. and Brooke Rd., in addition to the stoplight would be the best way to help calm traffic.

“[The intersection] is mainly busy during school time, but people drive through there very quickly,” said Tukua. “Our retired senior pastor has been hit at the intersection, and I cannot remember how many other collisions I have seen in the over 20 years I have been pastor here. We have Rider’s Field next door, which brings in people with horse trailers. To make it easier for folks, we have added additional parking on Calavo. Still, even with people who are familiar with the area, this intersection is an issue all the time.”

“We would love to see the street re-aligned, especially since we have a preschool that runs five days a week,” continued Tukua. “I think it would be great for our school kids, but I know that the county has had an issue in funding to make that happen.”

“What we approved <at the meeting> was to have a traffic signal installed at the intersection between Stage Coach Lane, Brooke and Calavo, which puts the intersection on the list for consideration,” said Jim Russell, chairman of the FCPG. “At this intersection, drivers cannot see very well, and that is a problem.”

Russell stated that the list will go before the San Diego County Traffic Advisory Committee and the County’s Department of Public Works, and will compete with other intersections in need of a traffic light.

“Traffic signals typically cost $350,000, and this intersection would be competing for assets within the whole county,” said Russell.

Robinson said a representative from the county visited the site in the early summer to inspect, study, and photograph the intersection, and agreed that the intersection is a concern.

“I know this isn’t something that will happen instantaneously, but at least the intersection is in the books now,” said Robinson. “This is something I have wanted to see done since my son was hurt, but I was too emotional to be involved. It was hard for me to go to church on Sundays and see the pole he hit, but this needed to be done for the sake of other high school kids. Now it’s just a waiting game.”

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