Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brisbane committee weighs permanent fixes at 5 Points intersection; staff to produce roundabout and curb‑extension concepts
Summary
City staff told the Complete Streets Safety Committee that a five‑leg intersection at Visitation/San Bruno presents unique conflict points and near‑misses. The committee asked staff to produce high‑level roundabout overlays, cost estimates and alternative schematics and to return in June for further review before any permanent construction.
City staff presented concerns about the five‑leg "5 Points" intersection and asked Brisbane’s Complete Streets Safety Committee on April 1 whether the temporary curb extensions installed in 2024 should be formalized or whether the city should pursue alternative layouts such as a one‑lane roundabout.
Staff explained that intersections with more than four legs create more conflict points and are harder for drivers and pedestrians to navigate. "A 5‑leg intersection has higher collision rates than a typical 4‑way intersection... they\'re confusing," staff said, and noted visibility problems on the San Bruno/Visitation approach that the temporary curb extension partly addressed.
Why it matters: The intersection is adjacent to a community park, post office, downtown businesses and a bus stop. Committee members and residents said near‑misses and parked vehicles have made sight lines and pedestrian crossings an ongoing concern.
Options discussed: Staff described three paths — (1) make the temporary curb extension permanent with poured curbs and gutters; (2) study a one‑lane roundabout overlay that would reduce conflict points and shorten pedestrian crossings; or (3) pursue other alternatives. Staff cited Federal Highway Administration research showing roundabouts can lower collision rates and shorten pedestrian crossing distances, but cautioned about local constraints: limited right‑of‑way, truck turning needs, underground utilities (the Crystal Springs pipelines), and higher capital costs.
Local fixes: Committee members and residents advocated lower‑cost interim actions: trimming low tree branches that block sight lines, relocating bus stops that stack near the intersection, adding pedestrian lighting, daylighting crosswalks and improving signage. A proposed camera study to quantify near‑misses drew privacy concerns and will require further community discussion.
Public comment: A resident urged a traffic circle to slow incoming drivers and create a gateway into town, saying a roundabout could move crosswalks to shorter, safer locations and accommodate public art or landscaping to mark the entrance to Brisbane.
Committee direction and next steps: Staff will prepare concept‑level layouts and a rough order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate for alternatives, including a small one‑lane roundabout overlay, and return to the committee in June. Staff said they will not proceed with permanent concrete work before community review and a formal design decision.
