Drivers in Point Loma are navigating through a new addition to a busy intersection.
Directional arrows were painted at the intersection of Rosecrans and Talbot streets a couple months ago in hopes of moving traffic more quickly through the area.
A spokeswoman for Naval Base Point Loma says that neighbors in the area had complained about traffic congestion through the intersection.
Prior to the painted arrows, there were no markings on the road for drivers. Now there are arrows that show drivers that they can turn right, left or drive straight. The arrows don’t change the rules for this intersection. Instead, the newly painted arrows are further clarification for drivers of what they could always do in this intersection.
Some neighbors say the dangerous part of the intersection is that drivers can merge from two lanes into one within a short period of time -- and many drivers do this while speeding.
The posted speed limit is 30 mph. However, drivers have always been able to merge from two lanes into one lane – it is just now posted with painted arrows on the road.
“I don’t think the intersection is dangerous if you follow the rules. Two lanes merge into one then two again, people are crowding in to pass — that’s where it is a problem,” said Cathy Worthington, longtime Point Loma resident.
“It’s causing people to go two at a time, then there are problems on the other side of the intersection,” says Mimi Hannan, who works in Point Loma.
A spokesperson for the City of San Diego sent NBC 7 a statement clarifying why the directional arrows were painted. The statement also addresses how the city is letting drivers know about the two-to-one lane merge.
“After careful study of traffic patterns and options that included adding a turning lane and designating a lane exclusively for right or left turns, we determined that the addition of directional arrows confirming what is already permitted at the intersection was the best option that also offered the least negative impact on the heavily trafficked Rosecrans Street. The directional arrows, in conjunction with the merge sign prominent on the signal light provides responsible, aware drivers with how they are to navigate the intersection.”
