Say goodbye to traffic signal at Holman Highway 68 roundabout

All traffic lights at the busy intersection of Holman Highway 68 and Highway 1 will be permanently removed Tuesday night as crews start to build the center island of a roundabout that has been under construction for months, according to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC).

“We are also going to re-stripe the lanes through the area so that we can direct traffic around our new work zone which will be in the middle of Highway 68,” construction manager Bobby Pentorali said.

At the intersection, things may start to appear like a roundabout but there will still be construction going on so crews say expect some delays.

“The roundabout itself is not going to be operational,” said Pentorali “It’s going to feel and look like a roundabout but we just want people to know that when the roundabout is completed in July we expect it to significantly reduce congestion. Right now, please don’t judge the roundabout as it’s not operating well because it’s halfway operating.”

According to TAMC, the next phase is a complicated process since the site is in the middle of the intersection with traffic traveling around it.

“It’s a little confusing,” said driver Lisa Anway of Pebble Beach. “We are hoping we can get out of Pebble Beach ok.”

Drivers leaving the Pebble Beach Highway 1 gate will not have access on Highway 68 westbound towards Pacific Grove. Those folks will have to use Highway 1 and then turn around at Munras Ave.

The roundabout itself is receiving mixed reviews. Some are concerned that it will be confusing for visitors. Others are optimistic it will help speed things up.

“It will take some adjustment,” Monterey resident Fax Hall said. “People who have never used them before are going to be a little anxious but I think overall everyone is just going to be fine.”

Starting Tuesday night at 8 p.m. crews will be closing the southbound Highway 1 on and off ramps as work gets underway. Drivers can turn around at Carpenter St. or Ocean Ave.