Sept. 9, 2008 — The installation of the two radar speed signs in Clear Creek to help slow traffic passing through the small community along Highway 147 is nearing completion. There is even a possibility the signs could be installed this fall. Cal Trans has given their approval for the installation of two signs and Pacific Gas and Electric Company will hook them to power sources along the roadway to make them operational.

However, the final figures on cost are needed before plans can be completed. Bryan Barr, senior government relations representative for PG&E, said the exact sign locations had to be identified in order to calculate the cost of power hookup. Also the wattage of the two signs must be taken into account.

The cost depends on whether or not new poles have to be set or whether meters need to be installed to meet the wattage requirements and reach the signs. If the signs are near existing power sources, the installation will be less costly.

Barr plans to give the community a charitable donation from the PG&E public benefit program to help with the project. However, by law PG&E must charge for the cost of the hookup and the electricity used to power the signs. Depending on the infrastructure adjustments required, the project hookup could run as low as $8,000 or as high as $50,000, said Barr.

Sally Wiegand, a resident of Clear Creek, has been overseeing the project. She has collected $4,300 with Lassen County Supervisor Bob Pyle contributing $2,000. He may contribute another $1,000 if needed. Also the Clear Creek Homeowner’s Association has pledged $1,000.

Current estimates on cost are $3,566 per 110 volt sign. The cost of installation has not yet been determined.

In May 2007, Wiegand arranged a meeting at Clear Creek Park with Cal Trans employees Ed Lemkin, deputy district director, and Kristi Westoby, chief of traffic investigations, to discuss the radar signs.

This April, she showed Barr the project. He said he would have worked on the installation of the signs this summer but the wildfires throughout California tied up crews and put PG&E five months behind on projects.

The Clear Creek community has been working on safety measures for three years. Residents must cross Highway 147 to get to Clear Creek Park and three residential streets connect to the busy roadway. Although there is a 35 mph speed limit, many motorists fail to slow as they pass through the community that has a population of about 500.