Commission approves temporary stop sign and stop bar at Vail and Mines to address CPUC safety concerns

The Traffic and Safety Commission approved a temporary stop sign and a stop‑bar pavement legend at the southeast corner of Vail Avenue and Mines Avenue to address California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) safety concerns about vehicles queuing on railroad tracks.

Staff said the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, project consultants (AECOM and Mott MacDonald / Moffatt & Nichol as described in the packet), and the city coordinated on a federally and state‑funded grade‑separation project authorized in earlier council approvals. CPUC staff inspected crossings on Jan. 30, 2025 and identified safety concerns, including vehicle queuing on tracks at several locations. To alleviate immediate risk while construction proceeds, the commission approved installing the stop sign and the painted stop bar at the southeast corner of Vail and Mines.

Commissioners asked about school safety near the intersection. The police chief (present) said school police monitor high‑use locations and that the unit can evaluate whether an additional crossing guard is warranted; staff also noted parent volunteer programs used by the school district for drop‑off assistance.

Commissioner LaRocca moved to approve the temporary stop sign and stop bar; Chair Baez seconded. The motion passed by roll call (Takayama, LaRocca, Hernandez and Chair Baez voting yes). Staff said the change is temporary to address CPUC concerns during the roughly 48‑month construction window and that the city previously approved project plans in 2020–2022.