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Brawley council advances traffic-safety measures after resident plea for safer downtown crossings
Summary
A downtown business owner urged the council for a stoplight or lighted crosswalk at the Brawley Playhouse plaza; the council approved two traffic-control ordinances (first readings) recommended by the Traffic Safety Committee and discussed enforcement and parking-line rules.
A business owner and council members pressed for stepped-up pedestrian safety in downtown Brawley, and the council approved first readings of two traffic-control ordinances recommended by the city Traffic Safety Committee.
Ryan Brandt, owner of RJLV Pictures and a tenant at the Brawley Playhouse Theater, told the council he has repeatedly seen vehicles speeding near the plaza and described a recent crash and an “old woman almost [being] hit” while trying to cross between the plaza buildings. Brandt asked the council to “please do this for Brawley” and urged a stoplight or a lighted crosswalk with flashing safety lights similar to the crosswalk between the post office and library.
The city’s traffic staff told the council the Traffic Safety Committee reviewed accident and visibility data and recommended a four-way stop at Southeastern Avenue and I Street. Juan Medina, public works director, said the committee’s three-year accident review shows the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants that treatment. The council approved the first reading of that ordinance; public works staff will install signs after the required noticing period.
On a related item the council approved first reading of an ordinance creating a no-parking red curb at the intersection of Malan Street and South Fifth Street. Medina said the committee determined the curb markings meet MUTCD standards; staff estimated the painting cost at $472.24 and said work will be funded from the streets and utilities account after noticing.
Council members and staff also highlighted operational and enforcement steps. Staff noted the city will place stop bars, pavement legends and appropriately sited signs so bus shelters or other obstructions do not block visibility. In response to a council question, the police department and staff said the 20-foot rule (no parking within 20 feet of a corner) is active and will be communicated to staff and the public; painting is voluntary but the underlying restriction is enforceable.
The council encouraged continued review of other busy intersections cited by residents, including Dogwood and Malan and areas near local schools and packing sheds. Medina said the Traffic Safety Committee continues to accept requests and that other sites will be reviewed at future committee meetings.
The first readings were approved without a recorded roll-call tally; the items will appear on a future consent agenda for final action and installation work will follow the required notification period.
