Considering the proposed expansion of Highway 156 between San
Juan Bautista and Hollister is one of the more contentious topics
on the table locally, there was tremendous progress made at a
recent meeting where the involved players came to a compromise that
could soften the debate.
Considering the proposed expansion of Highway 156 between San Juan Bautista and Hollister is one of the more contentious topics on the table locally, there was tremendous progress made at a recent meeting where the involved players came to a compromise that could soften the debate.
One of the more serious impediments to the road’s fruition has been a boisterous opposition largely made up by residents in San Juan Bautista, where locals are concerned about the potential impacts in swallowing up a large swath of prime agricultural land – much of it through initial plans to build a gigantic median – and deterring the overall bucolic nature of the rural area.
With such sharp divisions in views, it appeared nearly impossible to find any sort of compromise palatable to all sides. But a group of inventive, open-minded officials and residents have taken a shot at doing just that by developing an early concept for the highway expansion that focuses on the use of three roundabouts, a more sensical frontage road and significantly less land.
Along with the help from consultant and planner Dan Burden, hired by San Juan Oaks Golf Club, the group of officials with the city, county and local transportation agencies met and developed the new concept. They all deserve credit for taking on an immensely difficult topic and coming away with a solution.
It is, however, early in the process, so it is no sure thing – and neither is the anticipated improvement in the level of support from the often unpredictable San Juan community.
But the new idea is a sign of progress, a reflection of high-quality leadership. Ultimately, the roundabout system could save land, cut costs, reduce unnecessary stress on the roads, cut back on vehicle wear and tear, add more benefits for bicycle riders, and reduce wasted fuel and released emissions.
Or it might be a pipe dream.
The bottom line, though, is that roundabouts have become increasingly more common and popular across Europe, and transportation officials have started using them on highways in Southern California.
Either way, the proactive planning on the part of those devoted residents has added another option to the discussion – a clever idea that likely never would have surfaced without them.
