STUDENT SAFETY IMPROVED BY NEW SIGNAL

For years, Newbury Park residents have requested a traffic signal at an uncontrolled crosswalk so school-age youth and pedestrians could move safely across the busy intersection at Wendy Drive and Gerald Drive. The Ventura County Public Works Agency Transportation Department has just completed the long-awaited project to provide a safer path to school for students and reduce traffic collisions. A ceremony will officially mark this milestone in public safety on Wednesday, April 20, at 3:00 p.m. After the official activities, local youth will take a “channel walk” with Supervisor Parks to observe nature in an urban area.

A portion of the funding for the traffic signal installation was provided by a grant from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Traffic volume on Wendy Drive and the collision history at the intersection were significant factors in the decision to award the grant funding to the County. Accidents involving drivers making right-hand turns at the intersection have been particularly problematic.

District 2 Supervisor Linda Parks has been involved in the process from the beginning. “Local residents understand best the needs in their community and this signal on Wendy Drive is a priority. It’s always a good thing when we can make a busy road safer for children, seniors and others to cross and even more so when that road runs through a residential neighborhood. I’m delighted that there are now enhanced safety measures at this intersection,” Parks stated. “We appreciate their diligent support of us and VCPWA Transportation as we located funds to make this project happen.”

The 3:00 pm ribbon cutting ceremony for the traffic signal is just one of two events for pedestrians on April 20. Newbury Park residents can cross the newly signalized intersection and enjoy a stroll on the north side of the adjacent flood control channel from Wendy Drive east to Michael Drive. The Wendy Drive gate and Michael Drive fence will be open 7:00am-4:00pm. In honor of Earth Day, this one-day only event is open to the public, including students who are encouraged to use the channel pathway to walk to and from school. Speakers will be available on watershed and flood control topics throughout the day. For more information and a presentation schedule, contact the office of Supervisor Linda Parks at (805) 214-2510.