Grass Valley - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be proposing measures to improve safety and reduce traffic collisions along State Highway 49 south of Grass Valley during a public meeting to be held Wednesday, January 18 at Bear River High School on Magnolia Road near Lake of the Pines in Grass Valley.

Caltrans proposes to grind a centerline rumble strip the entire length of the roadway section and re-stripe with wider double yellow lines between Wolf/Combie Road and McKnight Way on Highway 49. Additional speed limit and warning signs will be posted, passing will be restricted and reflective markers will be added. This $500,000 project would be funded from the State Highway Operation and Protection Program, a fund used to improve the safety and operation of the State Highway system.

Analysis of collision data by Caltrans engineers on this stretch of highway concluded there is an increase in the number of fatalities due to increased traffic volumes. Data confirms that in 2005, five fatal accidents occurred on Highway 49 between Wolf/Combie Road and McKnight Way. However, the overall collision rate is below the statewide average. In addition, driving too fast for conditions was found to be the primary collision factor. Six other fatal accidents did occur on State Highway 49 in Nevada County this year, but those accidents occurred on other segments of the highway south of Lake of the Pines and in Grass Valley on the Golden Center Freeway (State Highways 49/20).

All proposed improvements are in cooperation and coordination with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local officials to improve safety. Representatives from Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) and Assemblyman Rick Keene's (R-Chico) offices, the CHP, and other local officials are also scheduled to attend Wednesday's meeting.

In addition to the proposed improvements, the CHP is proposing increased speed enforcement and public awareness to remind motorists to drive safely.

All of the above safety measures have proven successful on other state highways with similar collision data including State Highway 20 between Penn Valley and Grass Valley.

Caltrans does not recommend the installation of a temporary concrete median barrier even though many have suggested this as a possible solution. Placement of a concrete barrier could actually present other problems and reduce safety. A median barrier could inhibit emergency response access, reduce sight distance and create a fixed object with a potential for serious collisions.

The creation of an official Highway 49 Safety Corridor Task Force is also being considered. This task force could investigate the potential for additional safety funds, study the feasibility of long-term roadway improvements and promote additional public awareness.