Motorists who order their burgers and fries via the eatery’s drive-thru are queued up during lunch and dinner hours, sometimes causing headaches for those just trying to get on the freeway.

The popularity of the Lake Elsinore In-N-Out has prompted the chain to open a second location in the city, and officials are working to ensure better traffic flow around the upcoming burger joint once it finally opens.

The city has approved development of a new 3,886-square-foot In-N-Out location at Dexter Avenue and Crane Street. (Related: In-N-Out Burger Planned For 2nd Lake Elsinore Location)

A condition for the project set forth by the city is that the developer construct a traffic signal and intersection improvements at Third Street and Dexter Avenue.

The city will help offset costs. It proposes to enter into a reimbursement agreement with In-N-Out for the required improvements, and City Council is expected to OK the pact during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Eligible improvements that could be reimbursed include construction of a new traffic signal, installation of ADA-compliant ramps, and incidental improvements as necessary to accommodate intersection upgrades.

The developer must pay the city’s Traffic Impact Fee, which is $14,922.24 for the proposed eatery. Other costs related to traffic improvements for the project could be reimbursed to the developer, with a cap set at $175,000, according to city documents.

The proposed agreement is up for discussion during the 7 p.m. Sept. 23 Lake Elsinore City Council meeting being held at the Cultural Center, 183 N. Main Street. See the full meeting agenda here.

Founded in California 77 years ago, In-N-Out Burger is known for its hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and “Double-Doubles” (two hamburger patties and two slices of cheese), French fries, milkshakes, and fountain drinks.

On Sept. 28, 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1228, which set a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers. The law took effect on April 1, 2024. At the time, many In-N-Out Burger locations in California were already paying that as an entry wage.

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