A string of accidents at an intersection in Pine Grove are the result of a traffic signal that was recently installed there, according to residents who opposed the project. On Wednesday a motorcyclist’s leg was shattered when another vehicle cut in front of him as he proceeded downhill. The traffic signal itself in concept is not the problem, but the way it was designed is, said one Pine Grove resident. Since the light at the intersection of Highway 88 and Ridge Road was installed, the east bound turn lane has a sign with a green dot on it stating “yield to oncoming traffic” instead of a fully functional light which would regulate traffic turning left against west bound traffic coming down the hill.
“This has proven over and over again to be a very bad idea. Many drivers are confused, don't understand, and don't pay attention to this sign and think they have the right of way, sometimes with deadly consequences,” said the resident. At least four accidents have been recorded at the intersection since the signal’s installation. The signal’s opponents have taken various steps, including letter writing, to urge Caltrans to install an additional light to regulate traffic in the East Bound left turn lane. CalTrans was unavailable for comment at the time this story was written, but sources close to TSPN indicate that the agency will consider whatever measures are necessary to improve safety as long as they are approved by the County.
A string of accidents at an intersection in Pine Grove are the result of a traffic signal that was recently installed there, according to residents who opposed the project. On Wednesday a motorcyclist’s leg was shattered when another vehicle cut in front of him as he proceeded downhill. The traffic signal itself in concept is not the problem, but the way it was designed is, said one Pine Grove resident. Since the light at the intersection of Highway 88 and Ridge Road was installed, the east bound turn lane has a sign with a green dot on it stating “yield to oncoming traffic” instead of a fully functional light which would regulate traffic turning left against west bound traffic coming down the hill. 
“This has proven over and over again to be a very bad idea. Many drivers are confused, don't understand, and don't pay attention to this sign and think they have the right of way, sometimes with deadly consequences,” said the resident. At least four accidents have been recorded at the intersection since the signal’s installation. The signal’s opponents have taken various steps, including letter writing, to urge Caltrans to install an additional light to regulate traffic in the East Bound left turn lane. CalTrans was unavailable for comment at the time this story was written, but sources close to TSPN indicate that the agency will consider whatever measures are necessary to improve safety as long as they are approved by the County. 
