Yard signs with the following message are on the increase: “NO DETOUR! – Build New Bouquet Canyon FIRST.” The impending detour to accommodate the Bouquet housing development and the corresponding realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road north of Plum Canyon Road is generating a great deal of concern and controversy.
As I understand it, the intended detour route for northbound traffic on Bouquet Canyon Road begins with a left turn from Bouquet onto Haskell Canyon Road, a right turn onto Copper Hill, a right turn onto David Way and finally a left turn back onto the existing Bouquet Canyon Road. Southbound traffic would follow the reverse pattern. A traffic light has been installed at the intersection of Copper Hill and Kathleen Avenue, and adjustments would be made to improve traffic flow at the Copper Hill-David Way-Bouquet Canyon junction.
The intent and expectations are that northbound Bouquet traffic beyond Haskell would be limited to local residents, along with those motorists headed to Plum Canyon Road where they would make a right turn away from the affected area. All others would be expected to use the detour outlined above. In theory, the only effect would be an increase in traffic along the affected portions of Haskell, Copper Hill and David Way, along with a slightly longer commute time.
While that may be the intent, the resulting reality is very likely to be a significant increase in traffic on a number of residential streets. Human nature being what it is, there are those who will seek out alternate routes to the prescribed detour. These neighborhoods are not equipped for this surge, and it raises serious questions of safety for the children living there.
The streets that will be most affected are Benz Road, Alaminos Drive, Kathleen, Calhaven Drive, Woodside Drive, Starwood Way and Shadow Valley Lane, along with all the cul de sacs and side streets that intersect with these primary streets. I will not go into detail on the possible routes. Motorists will figure this out on their own or with assistance of their GPS systems. Southbound motorists on Bouquet at David Way headed for Plum Canyon will almost certainly seek an alternative route through these neighborhoods. I live in the area and walk these streets (and beyond) several days a week, so I do have a pretty good feel for the traffic flow and how impacted motorists are likely to respond to the proposed detour.
My focus has been on the effects this detour will have on the residents of the area, but this will also have a significant effect on all the businesses along Bouquet Canyon Road between Haskell and just beyond Plum Canyon. As a former small business owner myself I have to include them in my concern.
I can’t speak to the reasoning behind the developers’ decision to impose this detour. It would seem to be more logical and less disruptive to complete the new section of Bouquet Canyon Road first. Maybe there are obstacles that prevent this from occurring. If so, residents are entitled to a full explanation.
This project has been in the works for decades, so it’s not a complete surprise. When completed, traffic flow along both Bouquet and Copper Hill will be greatly improved, much-needed housing will be provided and hopefully our property values will increase. As with all progress, there is always some pain along with the gain. We just want to minimize the pain.
Jack Crawford
Saugus
