Atherton Council debates safety measures for deadly intersection and traffic projects

Atherton's City Council is taking significant steps to enhance traffic safety and community engagement following a recent Audit and Finance Joint Study Session held on May 7, 2025. The council members highlighted the urgent need for improvements at the town's most dangerous intersection, where past discussions have revealed strong community opposition to proposed traffic signals.

Council members emphasized the importance of re-engaging residents to gather updated opinions on potential solutions. "We need to reengage the residents," one member stated, noting that previous community feedback had led to the abandonment of a traffic signal proposal. The council is considering hiring a consultant to develop conceptual designs for the intersection improvements, with an estimated cost of $250,000 for initial outreach and design work.

In addition to the intersection discussions, the council reviewed several bike and pedestrian projects, including the Station Lane connection, which aims to improve access to local parks and enhance safety for children. Council members expressed a desire to prioritize this project, recognizing its potential to alleviate existing traffic issues.

The council also discussed the need for traffic signals at the Middlefield Fair Oaks and Middlefield Watkins intersections, both of which have been identified as critical safety concerns. A budget of $120,000 was proposed for a traffic study to determine the best approach for these intersections, with a focus on using data-driven analysis to inform decisions.

Furthermore, the council is exploring the implementation of a traffic modeling software to better understand and manage traffic patterns in the town. This tool would allow for real-time analysis and help the council make informed decisions about future infrastructure changes.

As the meeting concluded, the council members reiterated their commitment to improving safety and accessibility for Atherton residents. The next steps include engaging the community for feedback on proposed traffic solutions and moving forward with the necessary studies to ensure informed decision-making. The council aims to prioritize these initiatives in the upcoming budget discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing traffic safety as a critical community concern.