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PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. -- If you take the Pacific Grove/Pebble Beach exit going southbound on Highway1, then you've probably seen the congestion along the intersection.
"In the afternoon in particular all the traffic leaving Pacific Grove, going eastbound onto Highway 1, is backed up along Holman sometimes," said Elizabeth Caraker, Principle Planner for Monterey.
Since Pebble Beach got the approval from the county to redevelop the intersection two methods have been tossed around: adding a better signal or a roundabout.
"The analysis showed a much greater flow of traffic through a roundabout over a signal design," said Caraker.
The roundabout will have two lanes coming south on exit 399. One lane will flow non-stop towards the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, giving easier access for ambulances during rush hours.
"It reduces environmental impacts in terms of tree removal and ground disturbance and retaining walls. Its a much lower impact solution," said Caraker.
The plan will also create bike paths and walkways that are non-existent right now and the plan is to have it all completed by 2015. But the city is still reviewing the analysis so nothing has been officially decided.
"We'll do lots of outreach to the community, go to the Monterey City Council and present designs and make sure everybody's comfortable," said Caraker.
CHOMP said it is still discussing the new plans with the city and will have a meeting in February. After that, they will know more on how the new changes will work.
