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Tulare engineers recommend road‑diet, all‑way stop and RRFBs for Cross Avenue; estimate $150K–$200K for targeted corridor improvements
Summary
City engineering staff proposed a phased traffic‑calming approach for Cross Avenue (Blackstone–Lincoln) including a two‑way left‑turn lane (road diet), an all‑way stop at Brentwood, and a pedestrian RRFB plus striped bulb‑outs at Coelho. Staff estimated targeted intersection and pedestrian upgrades would cost roughly $150,000–$200,000 and recommended piloting low‑cost stripe‑and‑beacon measures first.
City transportation staff presented a comprehensive traffic‑calming plan for Cross Avenue between Blackstone Street and Lincoln Street, responding to repeated resident complaints about vehicle speeds and pedestrian safety.
Michael Winton, senior civil engineer, contextualized the corridor’s existing condition—wide travel lanes (18–19 feet) with five‑foot bike lanes that induce higher vehicle speeds—and described a toolbox of measures to reduce speed and improve crossings. "Slow down, save lives, the art of traffic calming," Winton said, summarizing the safety rationale behind horizontal and vertical deflection, curb extensions, road diets and mini‑roundabouts.
Staff recommended a familiar, phased approach to reduce driver speeds and improve pedestrian crossings: re‑stripe the corridor to add a two‑way left‑turn lane and narrow through lanes; install an all‑way stop at Cross & Brentwood (supported by traffic‑warrant analysis); and at Cross & Coelho install a marked crossing with RRFB (rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon) and striped or scribe bulb‑outs to shorten crossing distance. Winton noted that an RRFB installation triggers ADA upgrades at curb ramps and that reconstruction of curb returns is included in the cost estimate.
Estimated construction cost for the recommended package was presented as roughly $150,000–$200,000, reflecting the need to rebuild curb returns and add pedestrian infrastructure. Council members and residents emphasized speed as the core problem; a longtime resident asked simply, “All we're really asking for Coelho is just a crosswalk,” underscoring neighborhood urgency.
Council directed staff to return with a focused phased plan showing minimal‑cost (stripe + beacon) phase‑1 actions and phased follow‑up options, to implement a pilot and monitor results before committing to larger capital work.
What this means: Council endorsed a phased, pilot‑first approach; staff will prepare a short options memo and phased cost estimate so Council can authorize an initial implementation package and monitor effectiveness.
