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Staff outlines phased plan to address Gamble Street cut-throughs; proposes signal-timing changes first
Summary
City staff presented data showing Gamble Street carries about 2,000 daily trips and average speeds in the high 20s mph; staff proposed a phased response beginning with signal-timing adjustments to discourage cut-through traffic and said they will monitor impacts before pursuing physical changes.
City staff presented a phased plan and recent data to address resident concerns about cut-through traffic on Gamble Street and recommended trying signal-timing adjustments before more restrictive measures.
The police department installed a short-term stealth traffic-count device (described in the meeting as an "armadillo" unit) and collected counts and speeds on Gamble from July 29 to Aug. 4. Rob Lau and city staff reported northbound average daily traffic of roughly 1,000 vehicles and southbound about 950 vehicles; combined volumes approached 2,000 vehicles per day. Average speeds measured about 27–28 mph with an observed 80th percentile near 32–33 mph, and only a small number of peak recorded speeds above 50 mph over the sample week.
Why it matters: Residents have raised concerns about traffic volume, queuing at Lincoln Avenue and left-turn queuing that can induce drivers to use Gamble as a north–south shortcut between El Norte Parkway/Freeway 78 corridors and Lincoln. Staff said much of the traffic appears to be drivers using Gamble as a cut-through rather than trips originating or ending on Gamble.
Staff recommended a phased approach: document baseline conditions (which the stealth device provided), evaluate targeted near-term measures such as signal-timing adjustments to favor flow on major approaches (for example, adjusting timing at Fig and Lincoln to reduce queuing), collect public input, and then, if needed, test physical measures such as restricted movements or traffic-calming devices. "We want to try the easy things first," a staff speaker said, noting timing tweaks can be implemented without formal public hearings and can be monitored and reversed if they create unintended impacts.
Staff noted constraints: Lincoln Avenue is designated in the city’s circulation element as a future prime arterial in places and has limited right-of-way in others; widening or constructing long-term solutions would be costly and long-term. Some signals in the corridor are controlled by Caltrans, which adds coordination needs. Commissioners asked staff to test signal timing adjustments soon and report back with data; one commissioner urged staff to check signal detection at El Norte Parkway and Fig, noting a missed detector may force drivers to wait and reduce willingness to use the signalized left-turn at Fig.
Commissioners also cautioned interpretation of the July–August counts because school was not in session during the collection period; several commissioners recommended re-evaluating counts once school is in session and using multiple data sources (stealth counters, cell-phone mobility data and license-plate surveys) to understand trip origins and routing.
No formal action was taken; staff said they would initiate signal-timing adjustments and return to the commission with updated results and public input.
Ending: Staff emphasized public outreach and monitoring; commissioners and staff agreed to try timing changes first and avoid abrupt physical restrictions without stakeholder involvement.
