Del Norte supervisors direct staff to study Fred Haight Drive speeds after residents describe repeated crashes

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to order an engineering and traffic study of Fred Haight Drive and to explore traffic-calming measures, including speed humps and a segmented analysis of the roadway.

The motion, introduced during the board's meeting, responds to sustained community concern about crashes on Fred Haight and nearby corridors. Supervisor Short moved to “move ahead with an engineering and traffic study for Fred Haight Drive, and also explore the possibility of other available methods for slowing traffic such as speed humps,” and the motion was seconded and adopted by roll call.

Why it matters: residents and county officials said the road has been the site of repeated collisions and at least a few fatalities over many years. Tamara Layton, executive director of the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission, told the board the Elk Valley Crossroad at U.S. 199 ‘‘has a collision rate of 811% greater than the statewide average for similar intersections,’’ and said the project package includes the county’s top 10 serious-injury and fatality locations on Highway 199. Residents described daily near-misses and fatal crashes that they said justify quick action.

Staff outlined two investigation options: a preliminary speed-count using pneumatic tubes to gather baseline speed and volume data, and a formal engineering and traffic survey that includes calibrated radar and measures required by state law. The county engineer said tube counts can help calibrate whether the formal survey is necessary, but a full engineering study is the mechanism by which the county can change limits under the Vehicle Code and justify ordinance changes.

Supervisor Howard and others said safety, not convenience, should guide the decision. Supervisor Howard urged prompt action, noting past failed legislation and urging CHP coordination: “Let's get this in place so CHP could do their job,” he said.

The board directed staff to perform the study with a segmented approach across the full length of Fred Haight Drive, include exploration of speed humps and other innovations, and return with recommendations. The board recorded unanimous votes in favor of the motion.

What happens next: staff will conduct the study and provide the board with recommendations, including any legal steps or ordinances needed to change posted limits or implement calming measures.