By LAYLAN CONNELLY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

DANA POINT A 3-foot-tall wall will go up along Pacific Coast Highway to improve cyclist and runner safety. The wall - at a cost of $350,000 - will span a mile and a half from Palisades Road to Camino Capistrano, creating a new 10-foot-wide pathway. The concrete barrier will be similar to a freeway divider, said Brad Fowler, public works director. The project is part of the "Bicycle and Trails" master plan. Construction will begin in August and should be finished in September. Though plans for the wall have been in the works for a few years, a final City Council approval of the project in June comes following three accidents since April in which two people were injured and two killed. The latest death occurred this week. "To stick our heads in the sand and pretend everything is OK would be irresponsible," Mayor Lara Anderson said.

Recent incidents

Tuesday
Michael Erin Thompson, 33, died from massive head trauma after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike north on Coast Highway near Palisades Drive. The driver, Tammy Jo Booth, 23, of San Clemente was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
May 6
Viola Tucker, 78, was killed by a driver while riding her bike on Pacific Coast Highway between Camino Capistrano and Palisades Drive. The driver was determined not to be at fault.
April 8
Two joggers _ Stacy Neria and Carol Daniel _ were struck while jogging along Pacific Coast Highway near Palisades Drive. William Todd Bradshaw was arrested days later and he has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence.