Casino Traffic Woes Not as Bad as Projected

SAN DIEGO-Traffic problems stemming from the county’s Indian casino might have been overstated a year ago, according to a preliminary report.

In 2000, county official issued dire warnings about the effect of expanded tribal casinos on major roads near at least eight reservations in the region, predicting the county’s cost for road improvements at nearly $168 million.

An updated report to the Board of Supervisors, expected to be completed next spring, has lowered the figure to $154.7 million. Last year’s report predicted 130 vehicles for every 1,000 sf of gambling space. But the ratio has been lowered to 100 vehicles per 1,000 sf, according to the county Public Works Department.