UPDATE: East County Casino Traffic Eases on Second Day

JAMUL, CA - Concerns about persistent and widespread traffic tie-ups around a newly opened East County casino appeared to be unfounded Tuesday on its second day of operations.

On Monday, throngs of opening-day visitors to Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego, combined with roadway construction in the area, created miles of gridlock along state Route 94 between SR-125 and Honey Springs Road. Caltrans advised motorists that delays would be possible throughout the remainder of the week.

Those problems, however, largely failed to materialize today, according to the California Highway Patrol. As of midday, traffic was heavy only in the immediate vicinity of the gaming center, the state agency reported.

At midday Monday, Steele Canyon High School on state Route 94 in nearby Spring Valley tweeted: "Attn: SCHS Community, traffic is currently backed up from the casino to the Campo/Jamacha intersection. Please plan accordingly & drive safe.

The casino's general manager, Richard St. Jean, said in a statement Monday that traffic was "common with grand openings."

Caltrans advised motorists that delays on SR-94 would be possible throughout the remainder of the week.

"Traffic volumes may increase and motorists are urged to give themselves additional time to reach their destinations," state transit officials said in a statement.

Area residents, led by county Supervisor Dianne Jacob, bitterly fought the development because they were concerned about traffic impacts on the semi- rural roadway in the area. She has criticized Caltrans for allowing the project to proceed.

"Caltrans is failing the public by allowing the casino to open without all the badly needed road improvements in place, which was a part of the agreement Caltrans reached with Jamul Indian Village in 2009," Jacob told City News Service.

"The state is permitting it to go forward at the expense of public safety," she said. "I advise motorists to not gamble with their lives and stay away."

Tribal officials said they expect to pay $23 million for road and transportation improvements in the area.

"The tribe maintains a longstanding commitment to the community," said Erica Pinto, chairwoman of Jamul Indian Village. "We are proud to fund roadway improvements and other essential services to make our community safer. These efforts are meaningful and important for our tribe and our neighbors."

The Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego features 1,700 slot machines, 43 table games and seven restaurants. One of the eateries, Tony Gwynn's Sports Pub, features memorabilia from the late Padres icon and an array of televisions for watching athletic contests.

The 200,000-square-foot casino, on the property of the Jamul Indian Village, also includes a nightclub.

A 25-year gaming compact between the state and the tribe was signed in August by Gov. Jerry Brown, setting the operating terms for the three-story facility, which will employ more than 1,000 people.

- City News Service / Image via Google Earth (Apr 2016)