Neighbors react to future traffic signals at Palm Springs intersection

New traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Via Miraleste and Vista Chino in Palm Springs. r Caltrans recommended the signals be placed at the intersection after conducting an investigation that included analyzing traffic patterns.

The intersection was the site of two deadly collisions involving pedestrians last year. Tim Vincent, who lives by the intersection was a witness to those collisions and felt the signals are needed.

“There’s been a couple of times since I’ve been here that there have been fatalities,” he said. “I’ve been here for both of those, so it was really terrible to witness and you see that this happens and it’s long needed.”

Vincent pointed out to Jeremy Chen of News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2 where those collisions occurred on the street. He felt the signals would get drivers to slow down.

“I actually avoid crossing this intersection because of that reason,” he said. “I actually go around it because of the ways I feel like it’s dangerous but I think it will be a lot safer and I think people will go slower.”

Another neighbor, Marshall Pearcy, said he ws glad to hear of the development.

“It is a good sense of security to know that there is a traffic light here because we know it is a hazard not to have it,” he said.

Terri Kasinga, public information officer for Caltrans District 8, said the state agency recognized the need for the signal would work with the City of Palm Springs to make it happen. She said a signal would make it safe for both drivers and pedestrians.

“People will be stopping and pedestrians will have an access there in a crosswalk to get across at that location,” she said. “It’s going to be a controlled intersection.”

She said despite Vista Chino being under Caltrans jurisdiction as it is part of Highway 111, the City of Palm Springs would take the lead on the project in order to expedite the process. She estimated that installing a traffic signal could cost about $1 million depending on the engineering that is done. Kasinga said there was no word yet on when the design and construction phase would begin.