Gilroy approves $237,117 contract for citywide roadway safety plan

The City of Gilroy voted Aug. 3 to award Kimley Horn a professional services agreement not to exceed $237,117.25 to develop a Comprehensive Roadway Safety Action Plan (CSAP). City Engineer Nisha Patel said the CSAP will identify countermeasures to reduce fatal and serious‑injury crashes and better position the city to win state and federal transportation grants.

Patel told council that in the five‑year period 2021–2025 Gilroy recorded 82 crashes with serious injuries and fatalities, including six fatalities, and that the CSAP work is tied to multiple grant efforts. "In the last 5 years from 2021 to 2025, we've had 82 crashes with serious injuries and fatalities, of which 6 were fatalities," she said. Staff said the project cost is $237,117.25; reimbursements from the SS4A grant would total $189,693.80 and the required 20% local match from the gas tax would be $47,423.45. Council approved awarding the contract and separately adopted the budget amendment to appropriate the grant and match; both votes passed 5–2 (Councilmembers Bracco and Fugazi opposed).

Patel described examples of prioritized improvements — speed‑feedback signs at schools, sidewalk gap closures and separated bike lanes — and said the CSAP would include community outreach and a one‑year delivery timetable. Council members who voted against the measures said they worried about future funding obligations if the plan identifies large unfunded needs; proponents said pursuing grants is better than inaction.