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Novato approves four rapid‑flashing beacons and crosswalk upgrades using Measure M funds
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Summary
Council approved a $250,000 Measure M package to install rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons and enhanced crosswalks at four high‑priority locations, including Nevada Boulevard near schools and Ignacio Boulevard at Fairway Drive, with added beacon lighting at the Fairway crossing.
The Novato City Council approved on April 14 a Measure M‑funded safety project to install four rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) and enhanced crosswalks at prioritized locations across the city.
Public Works Director Chris Benini described the selection and vetting process and said staff used the city’s bike‑and‑ped safety plan and the Complete Streets oversight committee to prioritize high‑impact locations. The four sites approved were: Nevada Boulevard at Thorson Court (near high and elementary schools), Nevada Boulevard at States Drive (near Sinaloa Middle School), Ignacio Boulevard at Fairway Drive (including beacon lights at council request), and an enhanced crosswalk near Novato High School to address a tight bend and parallel parking that creates blind spots.
Benini cited evidence that RRFBs and enhanced crosswalks can reduce pedestrian‑related crashes substantially and noted that the package is sized to the Measure M allocation: staff estimated roughly $70,000–$85,000 per RRFB location and set aside $250,000 for the program. Councilmembers asked about additional candidate locations and staff said other intersections remain on a running list of 90+ projects for future prioritization.
A motion to approve the project scope and locations, including the requested beacon lights at Ignacio/Fairway, passed on a roll call vote. Staff will proceed to final design, procurement, and installation work and coordinate with the planned nearby utility projects to avoid duplicate construction.
