Poll: Is Laurel Curve too Dangerous?

The stretch of Highway 17 at Laurel Curve is notorious for really bad accidents, many of them head-on collisions because of the lack of a barrier between the northbound and southbound lanes. In recent months, the
dangerous curve has been the site of several accidents, including a fatal one that involved four vehicles.

After that accident in March, Caltrans decided to install a temporary concrete median barrier along the deadly section of the roadway in hopes that it would cut down on accidents in the area.

On Wednesday, County Supervisor John Leopold will hold a community meeting to discuss what should be done going forward at Laurel Curve.
Though the barrier makes the roadway somewhat safer, residents who live around Laurel Road are not too happy, complaining that they are forced to make dangerous U-turns on 17, adding 30 minutes to trips to school and work.

What are your thoughts on Laurel Curve? Do you commute over the hill and drive it often? What do you think should be done? Should a permanent barrier be put in place at Laurel Curve or do you think there is another solution? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comment section.

The community meeting on the issue will be held at the Loma Prieta Community Center, 23800 Summit Rd., 5:30-6:30 p.m. Officials from the CHP and Caltrans will attend.