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City installs exclusive pedestrian interval at Cooper Elementary intersection after student struck
Summary
Vallejo's traffic engineer told the 2x2 committee staff installed an exclusive pedestrian phase at the Tuolumne/Del Mar intersection near Cooper Elementary to improve crosswalk safety; the change currently runs 24/7 while staff review timing and maintenance options.
Tony Hsu, Vallejo's traffic transportation superintendent and city traffic engineer, reported field work at the Cooper Elementary intersection and said staff instructed signal programming changes to create an exclusive pedestrian interval so walkers receive an all-red phase for crossing.
"If they push the pedestrian push button, they have 5 seconds lead time to step off the curb…now it's all red for all approaches, all intersections," Hsu said, describing the change from a five-second leading pedestrian interval to an all-stop pedestrian phase.
Hsu explained the measure applies to all legs of the Tuolumne and Del Mar intersection and that the signal timing may require an extra cycle to serve vehicles before returning to pedestrians. When asked whether the exclusive phase operates only during school hours, Hsu said the current implementation is 24/7 but staff will check whether timing can be limited to school periods; he noted maintenance and a faulty push-button could affect operations.
Trustees thanked staff and asked for clarification on exact pole locations and power sources; Hsu said push buttons typically exist for each crosswalk and the system is electrically powered.
Why it matters: The change was prompted by a recent incident in which a Cooper Elementary student was struck, and trustees pressed for prompt engineering and maintenance steps to reduce the risk to students during arrival and dismissal.
What’s next: Staff will confirm whether the pedestrian phase can be restricted to school hours and will address maintenance needs for push buttons and signal cabinets, and report back on operational hours and any required repairs.
