This webpage pertains to the Alameda de las Pulgas lane change from 4 lanes to a 3 lane configuration. It is an on-going evolution being shaped by community input and concerns.
Pros:
- Significantly shorter crosswalks (about 25% to 30% shorter, 60% shorter at “Y” intersection)
- Significantly safer roadway for all pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and residents
- Much calmer traffic with fewer distracted drivers
- Center left turn/merge lane – eliminates many of the current sudden stops and swerving, caused by turning motorists stopping in the travel lane
- Turning left on to Alameda from side streets and driveways — much easier as only 1 calmer travel lane to coordinate and ability to use the center merge lane as a refuge to merge into travel lane . Currently one has to coordinate the two on coming lanes plus the lanes that one is turning on to — with no safety merge lane refuge
- Greatly improved cycling safety with the buffered dedicated bike lanes and removal of the ‘shared’ bike traffic lane (aka no need for Sharrows)
- Allocates the room needed for the future wider and ADA compliant sidewalks.
- Emergency response route is improved by having only one lane each direction, with room for motorists to pull over and ability for emergency vehicles to use the full roadway of 40+ feet
- Retains parking
- Protects several significant/heritage trees that are near current walking path
- Safer and easier for Residents to enter/exit driveways
- Does not restrict volume of traffic – same amount of traffic flows, just calmer and lower speed
Cons:
- Peak hour traffic on one lane can have a longer line than the current two lanes
- While the expense of this is low ($30k to $40k), it is still an expense
- This forces community to decide between safety and higher speed traffic (especially at peak hour)