Commission hears large transportation project updates, Vision Zero grant and collision reports

At the meeting staff provided a comprehensive update on active transportation projects, outreach plans and a collision report that commissioners said should inform near-term priorities.

El Camino Real renewal and pedestrian devices: Staff described the El Camino Real renewal as a multi-mile corridor project intended to rehabilitate roadway drainage, improve sightlines and upgrade pedestrian facilities. Staff said the project will install pedestrian warning devices sometimes called "HAWK" beacons (pedestrian-activated signals that give drivers a red indication when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk) at several crossings and that coordination with Caltrans is ongoing. Staff noted the project is a several-mile effort and that timing for tree removal and other work is driven by the larger Caltrans schedule.

Broadway grade separation and bicycle projects: The Broadway grade separation project is in final design and staff said they are refining cost estimates and looking for ways to manage increases. Staff also described planned bicycle facilities: California Drive phase two (a Class I separated bikeway south of Oak Grove), a South Rollins traffic calming package of chicanes and medians, and a North Rollins Class IV bicycle facility to improve continuity to Milbury Avenue. Several projects require coordination with external agencies such as the CPUC where right-of-way issues exist.

Vision Zero grant and outreach: Staff reported the city received a "Safe Streets for All" grant (roughly half a million dollars with a local match) to develop a Vision Zero action plan; outreach plans will include community meetings, Council updates and pop-up events. Staff said a consultant has been selected and outreach will roll out this year.

Collision and enforcement updates: Sergeant Roberts reported nine collisions in December (citywide) and highlighted incidents, including a pedestrian collision at Sequoia and Garden Drive that produced a minor injury. Staff earlier said the Belleview/El Camino location had seen five collisions in the last six months; officers and staff emphasized common factors such as Right-of-Way violations, unsafe turning movements and red-light violations. Staff also noted Assembly Bill 4113 took effect Jan. 1, which tightened enforcement for vehicles parked within 20 feet of marked or unmarked crosswalks.

What commissioners asked for: Commissioners asked staff to accelerate coordination with Caltrans where feasible, explore adding an advanced right-turn-only warning sign upstream of Belleview, and factor driveway and drainage impacts into any permanent channelization design. Commissioners also discussed the timing and resource constraints of making temporary improvements permanent and asked staff to return with schedules, budget implications and coordination milestones.

Next steps: Staff will continue agency coordination, bring Caltrans and CPUC discussions to future meetings as needed, and return with implementation details, budget options and outreach plans for the projects discussed.