Council approves Crestview Drive pilot tweak: painted bulb‑outs and RRFB crosswalk replace proposed traffic circle

San Carlos staff returned to the City Council with a refined concept for the Crestview Drive pilot improvements and recommended removing a previously proposed traffic circle at Los Fientos Way in favor of lower‑impact quick‑build treatments.

Ryan Dole, the engineering consultant on the project, described the refined plan that uses painted bulb‑outs, medians, flexible delineator posts, quick‑build curb elements and a new rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) crosswalk to connect the Top of the World viewpoint with access to Poulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. "Staff recommends removing the proposed traffic circle and providing the same traffic calming improvements through the described elements," Dole said, noting the revised design shortens pedestrian crossings, creates safe refuge areas and has been reviewed by emergency services.

Staff estimated the striping and bulb‑out work would remove the equivalent of about 21 parking spaces along the east side of the corridor; the city owns an adjacent triangular parcel that staff noted could be used for supplemental parking in the future if needed. The council also discussed resident notification; staff said postcards had been mailed and the project page and contact information were available online, though a council member urged sending the affected neighbors a diagram in future outreach.

Vice Mayor moved and the mayor seconded the resolution to adopt the refined concept (Resolution 2026‑98); the council voted unanimously to approve moving the design forward into the city's 2026 paving contract with construction anticipated in summer 2027 and an 18‑month evaluation period afterward.