Supervisors act to improve road safety
SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors today took action to improve road safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
The Board approved funding for a Multimodal Feasibility Study that will identify infrastructure improvements to allow bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles to safely share the right of way along Foothill Expressway, including Junipero Serra Boulevard. The cost of the study will be covered by 2016 Measure B grant funding.
“I’m pleased to see these improvements on the horizon. A comprehensive long-range plan that helps move traffic along while keeping all users safe is just what we need,” said Simitian, whose District Five includes the Foothill Expressway/Junipero Serra corridor.
The source of the grant funding for the Foothill Expressway Multimodal Feasibility Study is the 2016 Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian program, which funds bicycle and pedestrian projects of Countywide significance.
Projects are identified by the County, local cities, and VTA, and prioritized based on the following criteria: 1) connects to schools, transit, and employment centers; 2) fills gaps in the existing bike and pedestrian network; 3) safely crosses barriers to mobility; and 4) makes walking or biking a safer and more convenient means of transportation for all.
2016 Measure B is a voter-approved 30-year, half-cent Countywide sales tax to enhance transit, highways, expressways, and active transportation (bicycles, pedestrians, and complete streets). The County and VTA will enter into a funding agreement this fall. Once the agreement is finalized, the County Roads and Airports Department will prepare the scope of work and select a consultant to work on the study. The study process will include robust community engagement.
The Board also adopted a resolution that prohibits parking on Mora Drive at Easterbrook Avenue, located in an unincorporated area between the Town of Los Altos Hills and City of Los Altos Hills. The Board’s action was taken in response to a request from neighboring residents concerned about reduced visibility and line-of-sight issues due to cars parking on a narrow shoulder where there is a steep slope.
“This is the way the system is supposed to work,” said Simitian. “Members of the community express their concern, County staff gives the matter a serious analysis and then the Board of Supervisors take action. Hearing from folks in the community with first-hand knowledge and experience is absolutely essential.”
County staff determined that establishing a ‘No Parking’ zone would address community concerns. The newly implemented restriction will go into effect on the north shoulder of Mora Drive, beginning at the intersection with Eastbrook Avenue and extending 150 feet west of Eastbrook Avenue.
“I know parking is at a premium, but issues of safety have to come first, and I think most folks understand and appreciate that,” said Simitian.
Signage denoting the new ‘No Parking’ zone on Mora Drive is scheduled for installation by the end of November.