A long-awaited report on the final section of Highway 76 to be widened is expected to be released Friday, but thousands of Fallbrook residents have already sounded off about the project.
About 4,500 residents so far have signed a petition asking the California Department of Transportation to support a new alignment of the highway south of the existing two-mile stretch through Fallbrook.
"We've been gaining steam in getting public attention for this thing," 76 Action Committee member Chuck Tillotson said about the petition drive that began in 2008.
Residents have until Nov. 2 to comment on the draft environmental impact report on the project scheduled to be released Friday. A final report is expected to be ready in about a year.
Caltrans began the project to widen the highway to four lanes from Interstate 5 to Interstate 15 more than 10 years ago. Alan Kosup, director of the project for Caltrans, told the North County Times earlier this year that construction of the final four-mile stretch to Interstate 15 should begin some time in 2012.
Caltrans is considering two routes for two miles that go through a residential area between Mission and Sage roads. In one proposal, the existing route along Pala Road/Highway 76 would be widened from two to four lanes, with a barrier in the middle.
The Fallbrook Community Planning Group and residents from many neighbors have said they do not support that plan because the barrier would prevent people coming from the neighborhood north of the route from turning left, toward I-15, creating a possible safety hazard during an emergency.
Instead, the Planning Group and others support an alternative proposal to create a new road through undeveloped land to the south.
While still officially in the planning stages, some residents said they believe Caltrans already has decided on the northern route because it will be less expensive.
Caltrans project manager Mark Phelan earlier this year said the northern route could cost between $190 million and $205 million, while the southern one could cost between $310 million and $325 million because it would require building two bridges over the San Luis Rey River.
"They've already long ago said that they want the north route," said Harry Christiansen, a five-term member of the Planning Group. "For them, it's a question of money."
Christiansen said the southern route would be worth the extra cost because it could be expanded to six lanes if needed, while there is no room to expand the existing route beyond four lanes.
Although the public input period begins Friday, Christiansen said he fears the decision has already been made.
"I don't know if it'll change anything," he said about the petition drive.
Caltrans Public Information Officer Hayden Manning reiterated that the public comment period is just now opening, and community input will be weighed in the decision.
"We do not have a preferred alternative route, and we're doing a 60-day review period to get the public reaction to our document," he said.
The draft report is scheduled to be posted online at KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/SR-76-Corridor/SR76-intro.aspx. Copies will be available at libraries in Fallbrook, Vista and Oceanside, and by calling Caltrans at 619-688-6670.
Manning said people can comment on the report by sending a fax to 619-688-3695, writing to Debra Soifer, MS-242, 4050 Taylor St., San Diego, 92110 or through the website dot.ca.gov/dist11.
Engineers, noise and traffic specialists, and other experts from Caltrans also are expected to speak to residents at a public forum scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Bonsall Community Center, 31505 Old River Road.
Call staff writer Gary Warth at 760-740-5410.
