Pershing Drive and Redwood Street Intersection Project
Intersection Challenges
Pershing Drive is a 4-lane north-south arterial roadway that connects the North Park community to northeast downtown San Diego and Golden Hill via Balboa Park. The road is used heavily by commuters living in the North Park area as an alternative to freeway travel because it has relatively few intersections. The existing configuration of Pershing Drive and Redwood Street forms multiple intersections in close proximity of one another.
The City made improvements to the intersection in the spring of 2002, which included traffic lane re-striping and new signage to create more of a one-way circulation driving pattern around the landscaped triangular island. Community input has been generally positive regarding the improvements and the improvements have been generally accepted until a more permanent solution could be implemented.
The City applied for, and received, a Caltrans grant to study a long-term solution to improve pedestrian access and improve traffic operation efficiency on Pershing Drive at Redwood Street and Jacaranda Place. With the assistance of grant funds, the City is studying options to improve the traffic operation and pedestrian access and is involving the community in the decision-making process.
Traffic Pattern Findings
A completed study has evaluated current traffic patterns as well as projected future intersection use through the year 2030. The study found that approximately 8,000 vehicles currently travel north of Redwood Street and 14,000 vehicles travel south of Redwood Street each day. Based on SANDAG growth estimates for 2030, these numbers could increase by 24 percent.
The 85th percentile speeds on Pershing Drive are reported at 53mph south of Redwood Street. The posted speed on Pershing Drive is 45 mph. The 85th percentile speeds on Redwood Street reported at 35mph just east of Dale Street, near Pershing Drive. The posted speed on Redwood Street is 25mph.
Using Community Input to Select the Best Solution
City staff hosted a community open house that was well attended and represented by nearby residents and those who drive, cycle, and walk through the intersection. Many residents completed a comment form and/or survey with valuable input that the city is currently using to determine what next steps to take to improve the intersection. Read the letter below to learn what type of community input the City received.
