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City says new El Camino Real signal not energized by PG&E; police to staff intersection for start of school
Summary
City manager reported the new El Camino Real safety signal remains unenergized because PG&E has not completed energization; the city will deploy police officers at the intersection for the first days of school, post signage and continue coordination with traffic engineers.
Atascadero’s city manager told council the newly installed El Camino Real safety and parking project is complete but the principal traffic signal had not been energized because the utility (PG&E) had not completed power connection work.
Jim Lewis said staff had met repeatedly with PG&E and that the city’s contractors and staff completed their work; the city will post signage indicating the signal is not energized by PG&E and station police officers at the intersection for the first days of school to direct traffic and protect students. Lewis said officers will be present starting with the first day of classes and that signage will make clear the city has completed its portion of the project.
Lewis also reported that the city has contracted Central Coast Traffic Design to observe and optimize signal timing for the corridor; the consultant will take field observations in the days after school opens and propose timing adjustments.
Council and staff also discussed safety plans for the upcoming cruise weekend events on El Camino Real. Public‑works staff (Settles) said the median will remain off‑limits to pedestrians and seating for safety reasons; the city will rely on visible motorcycle officers along the route to enforce the restriction rather than install continuous barricades.
Council asked staff to ensure clear public messaging about the signal status and traffic plans for the start of school and the weekend events. No vote or formal action was taken; staff said they will continue to coordinate with PG&E, the traffic consultant and law enforcement.
