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Traffic study finds all-way stop not warranted at Charles Lux/Lopez; recommends phased fixes around Los Animas Elementary
Summary
A consultant study found an all-way stop at Charles Lux and Lopez Way does not meet MUTCD warrants but recommended a three-tier program — immediate behavioral steps (signage, enforcement), mid-term striping/daylighting/lane-narrowing and longer-term curb/ramp and crossing upgrades — and urged coordination with Gilroy Unified on a school-site circulation study.
A traffic safety study presented to the council on June 15 concluded that an all-way stop at Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way does not meet national MUTCD warrants, but a package of short-, medium- and long-term measures can increase safety near Los Animas Elementary.
What the study found: Parametrix's field observations, turning-movement counts and five-year crash data showed zero qualifying crashes at the intersection during the reviewed period and insufficient pedestrian/vehicle volumes for an all-way stop under standard warrants. The consultant recommended against installing an all-way stop control.
Recommended phased approach: Instead, the report outlined three tiers of action. Tier one (short-term) emphasized behavior and awareness: refreshed school signage, targeted enforcement at crossings and increased communication through the school. Tier two (operations) recommended quick-build striping and traffic-calming measures including lane narrowing to slow vehicles, curb daylighting to preserve sight lines, selective tree trimming and improved bike-lane transitions. Tier three (structural and study) calls for longer-term capital work and a joint school/city site-circulation study to rework drop-off/pick-up circulation and consider upgraded crossings and ADA ramp updates.
Council action: Members supported immediate implementation of the quick-build signage and striping package and directed staff to coordinate a school-site circulation study with the Gilroy Unified School District to address drop-off patterns and potential capital upgrades.
Why it matters: The recommendations aim to reduce conflicts during school commute times without resorting to stop-control changes that the MUTCD does not justify, pairing roadway changes with school-side behavior and operational adjustments.
