Alternatives to the Foothill South Toll Road?

Transportation Corridor Agencies CEO Tom Margro led a spirited discussion about the future of the Foothill-South (241) Toll Road at our informal Coffee Chat this morning.

Margro said the agency is looking for alternatives since the federal government shut down a preferred route, which would have passed through San Onofre State Park and potentially affected the pristine watershed at San Mateo Creek.

Those in attendance -- about 65 -- suggested pushing the route furhter inland in Camp Pendleton, to avoid the park. Margro said his agency has met with representatives from the Marine Corps locally and in Washington and haven't gotten anywhere with possible new routes into the base.

Residents could help, he said, by pushing the idea on elected officials.

Margro also said the idea of connecting the 73 to Antonio Parkway or the 241 east of San Juan would make sense, traffic wise. The Capistrano Council is on record opposing that plan, as it was last presented -- surface routes along ridges and such. Now, councilmembers might be open to the idea of a cut-and-cover tunnel.

Margro also acknowledge fares are down on the toll roads, but said economic swings aren't unexpected.

Someone also asked why TCA doesn't build the tollroad south to at least Ortega. That would cost more, of course, because you don't get the savings of doing the larger project at once, and Margro also said city officials along the way have generally resisted that: Like musical chairs, no one wants to the be the city where the toll road ends.

My thought: Seems like continuing it to Ortega would help San Juan Capistrano: Motorists coming over the hill could jump on the toll road heading north, rather than coming down into town. It's hard to believe it would really add traffic: Anyone heading toward the Ortega to come to San Juan already has Antonio...

Obviously, there are some strongly opposed to the 241 South, including San Juan resident Jack Eidt. Here's some links to ideas and maps he provided:

http://www.savetrestles.com/whp.htm

 

http://www.savetrestles.com/beltway.htm

 

http://www.savetrestles.com/beltwaybigmap.htm

 

http://www.wildheritageplanners.com/advocacy-cccletter.shtml

 

http://wildheritageplanners.com/

 

http://www.abolishtca.com/

 

Finally:

 

And, to be fair, here's a link to the TCA Web site.

 

Comments

[Ray Turner]

Mr. Margro acknowledged that even with a "best case scenario" the completion of the 241 to I-5 would take at least 5 more years, so don't hold your breath. Action on the excellent proposal to extend the 73 toll road beyond I-5 to Antonio Pkwy and Ortega Hwy East of town is also remote because of the absense of strong and positive leadership from our City Council - so don't hold your beath on that one either. What we can look forward to is increasing gridlock and more traffic collisions in our town on Ortega Hwy between I-5 and Antonio Pkwy.