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Caltrans presents pedestrian-hybrid-beacon option for PCH and Agate; commission receives and files presentation
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Summary
Caltrans District 7 described options for the PCH/Agate crosswalk including signals, a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) and restricted-turn treatments; the commission voted to receive-and-file the presentation and encouraged continued community engagement.
Caltrans representatives briefed the Public Works Safety and Sustainability Commission on safety options for the crosswalk at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/State Route 1) and Agate Street, describing alternatives that include a traffic signal, a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB), restricted-turn treatments and roundabout options.
What Caltrans presented: Wilfred Domingo of Caltrans’ Office of Transportation Safety explained the intersection-safety and operational assessment process (ISO/ISOC) and said initial traffic counts did not meet full signal warrants. He described the PHB—a pedestrian-activated beacon that remains dark until a pedestrian presses the button—and said it can be synced to adjacent signals to minimize traffic disruption. Caltrans identified signalization and PHB as the most viable near-term options and emphasized the need for operational analysis and community outreach.
Public input: Nearby residents and business representatives described frequent dangerous crossings, high observed speeds and previous crashes at the location. One speaker who watches the intersection from an office window said he has seen two light poles go down and a vehicle flip, and urged either upgrading the crossing or removing the crosswalk entirely.
Commission response and next steps: Commissioners and staff discussed warrant thresholds, sync to adjacent signals (to minimize disruption) and the need for education because PHBs have a learning curve. Staff said the city mailed about 200 postcards to notice residents and businesses and encouraged Caltrans to continue community engagement. The commission moved to receive and file the Caltrans presentation; the motion passed by roll call.
What remains: Caltrans will continue the ISO/ISOC evaluation, share collision and operational data with staff on request, and return with additional analysis or recommendations for an upgrade if warranted. The commission requested that Caltrans and staff consider outreach to the district council member and nearby businesses as engagement continues.
