Push to change 'dangerous, confusing' intersection in University Heights

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- San Diego residents are pressing for the redesign of an intersection connecting three major arteries in uptown that has long confused motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians because of its layout and track record of traffic collisions.

In 2023, beloved neighborhood bartender Joshua Gilliland was walking to work when he was hit and killed by a driver under the influence at the intersection of Park Boulevard, El Cajon Boulevard and Normal Street.

“I would love for Josh to be here and for him to see all the progress that has been made," said Scott Moore, Josh's best friend. "It's been a problem for years, and had things been different, my best friend might still be here. It's a hard pill to swallow that nothing was done for so long.”

The confusion of the intersection is capturing the attention of local lawmakers after more than 1,200 residents signed a petition for change.

"It is confusing for drivers, it is dangerous for bicyclists and it has proven deadly for pedestrians," San Diego City Council Member Stephen Whitburn, who represents this area, said.

The intersection has seen more than a dozen crashes. The dog park which sits at the "T' of El Cajon and Park boulevards, still has caution tape up and cones, a reminder of one of the latest cars that drove through the dog park, damaging two of the fences.

“Every week, new shards of glass and broken taillights appear. You don’t have to stand here long to see the dangers," said Anar Salayev, executive director of BikeSD & Board Member on the Uptown Community Planning Group.

Residents have been pushing for change, and recently more than 1,200 residents signed a petition, which is getting the attention from local lawmakers.

"Our friends at the City Transportation Department are taking notice. The department tells us that if the funding is available to do it, they are prepared to begin a comprehensive traffic safety study of this intersection," Whitburn added.

The city is facing a $258 million budget deficit, but Whitburn is suggesting using the increased revenue from parking meters to fund the project, and mentioned that a roundabout could be one of the options. Roundabouts have been recently added nearby on El Cajon Boulevard.

"We’re calling on the city to conduct a formal traffic study and redesign this intersection to prioritize clarity, safety and accessibility. We can’t afford to wait for another tragedy," Salayev said.

As Moore remembers his best friend, Josh, he hopes speaking out on these issues would make him proud.

"Something about Josh is he was a proud pedestrian, he didn't renew his driver's license once he moved to California and he would walk all around Hillcrest and University Heights," Moore said. "Someone who's so cognizant of the rules, and for this to happen, it's such a tragedy."