Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ***Re-posted from April 16, 2007***

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new signal at Leon Rd and Hwy 74 took place on Monday April 16, 2007. I was honored to introduce our 5th District Supervisor Marion Ashley. Mr. Ashley began by Thanking the community. He then introduced Brenda Salas his legislative assistant, also she is the Mayor of Banning. Also in attendance were Luana Roth, Sy Dowling, Hugh Smith, and Dick Syson. Each were instrumental in the completion of this traffic signal. The Harvest Valley Community Council attended, and a representative from Highland Palms We were glad they took the time to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mr. Ashley said this traffic signal plan had began before he took office, after several set backs he made it a County of Riverside project in order to get it completed. He noted this was a dangerous intersection. He also spoke about this traffic signal as the first of a series of projects coming soon to Harvest Valley. The signal at Sultanas will be installed by the developer of a new housing development. He pointed out the sensor the fire department uses to activate the light controls en route to emergencies. The transportation department will be monitoring the traffic flow at the High School once the new school opens in the Fall of 2007. The Romoland curve will be improved along with that corner getting a new 6 acre park, including a soccer field, and half court Basketball courts. As the new shopping centers are built along the Hwy 74 the traffic will be monitored and improvements made to keep the flow of traffic smooth. A 12 acre park is going in next to Harvest Valley School, along with a community center, gym, meeting rooms, kitchen and new club house for Harvest Valley. The ribbon was cut to dedicate the our new traffic signal. We attracted a lot of attention from the passing traffic with horns honking partly to get our attention to people waving at us, and also to get cars moving that had stopped to get a better look at what we were doing. I snapped a few pictures and just couldn't resist taking a picture of the ceremonial scissor box that the giant cutters are formally carried in.

Traffic Signal at Hwy 74 and Leon Rd.

The traffic signal at the intersection of Hwy 74 and Leon Rd was
determined warranted. The signal will improve traffic safety at the
intersection. As part of the improvement, the main driveway at the
Royal Palm Estates will be restricted to right-in and right-out only to
reduce vehicular conflicts and improve safety. Residents can exit Leon
onto Hwy 74 with a green light after the traffic signal is completed.
Left turn traffic on Hwy 74 onto Leon will have a green arrow.

The traffic signal is funded entirely by the County of Riverside with
the support of Supervisor Ashley using Development Impact Funds for
traffic signal mitigation. The cost of the project is approx.
$700,000.

The Riverside County Transportation Department is the lead agency. The
project was reviewed and approved by the Californian State Department of
Transportation since Hwy 74 is a state highway and is under Caltrans
jurisdiction. The project is being constructed under a state
encroachment permit by a contractor retained by the County with Caltrans
oversight. The date of completion of the project will be confirmed once
power is provided by SCE. After the project is completed, Caltrans will
operate and maintain the signal.

Information Provide by Riverside County Transportation Department

Supervisor Ashley would like to have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new signal
check back for more details