All posts by Gretchen

Signal at 4th & Obispo – Let’s save lives!

[From the office of Council Member Jeannine Pearce 2-23-17]

At the request of the Second Council District, Public Works Traffic Division conducted a field investigation of 4th Street and Obispo Avenue.  Vehicular and pedestrian volumes were collected and evaluated against the intersection geometrics.  Information about collision history was also reviewed.  Based on this analysis, it was determined that the intersection met warrants in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and a new traffic signal is needed.

While there are many intersections in the City that could benefit from adding traffic calming or control devices, there isn’t sufficient funding to address the need.  To prioritize resources, it is necessary to rank the severity of each request.  The subject location ranks very high on the list and is funded for improvement.  Design is currently in progress and should be complete in the next 90 days.  It will include the traffic signals, new signage and crosswalk striping.  Once design is complete, the project will go through the bidding and contract award.  Construction is estimated to start by the end of 2017.