Politics & Government
Traffic Calming Plan Good But Too Expensive, LA Council Says
A proposed plan to get drivers to slow down on busy streets also needs more public input, council says.
A master plan to bring down traffic speeds on some of Los Altos’ major streets is basically good but too expensive, and it needs much more public input, the Los Altos City Council members said in a recent study session.
If all of the recommendations of the draft Collector Traffic Calming Master Plan were implemented, it could cost the city more than $8 million. Projects include elements added to roadways to get drivers to slow down, such as raised intersections and crosswalks, landscaping and mini-roundabouts, among others.
“We’re a city of limited resources; let’s talk about less-expensive approaches,” Mayor Ron Packard said at a council meeting Feb 1. “We can get an awful lot accomplished with a lot less money.”
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The council has asked staff and the city’s consultant, RBF Consulting, to incorporate the suggestion of finding less expensive solutions, as well as conducting public meetings around the city to get residents’ input. A public hearing is scheduled for the March 2 Traffic Commission meeting.
Streets impacted by the plan include Almond Avenue, a portion of Covington Road, Cuesta Drive, West Edith Avenue, El Monte Avenue, Fremont Avenue, Grant Road, a portion of Los Altos Avenue, Miramonte Avenue, Springer Road and the initial portion of St. Joseph Avenue.
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A member of the city’s Traffic Commission, Richard Baer, and a member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Jim Fenton, each speaking for themselves, told the council they have concerns that the plan as it reads now focuses too much on vehicle traffic and not enough on bicyclists and pedestrians. They both urged the council to build more safety features, such as sidewalks, into the plan.
Fenton also warned of unintended consequences of some of the recommendations, such as building medians to limit left-hand turns into driveways and some side streets, which could send traffic into previously less-traveled neighborhoods.
Residents are encouraged to submit comments about the plan to Kathy Small, ksmall@losaltosca.gov.