Title
Review and Discuss Design Concept Alternatives for the Fernside Traffic Calming & Bikeways Project
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fernside Boulevard Traffic Safety & Bikeways Project aims to create a design concept to update this corridor with the goal of reducing auto speeds and increasing safety and mobility for all road users. It also plans to develop design concepts to implement the low-stress bikeways called for in the Active Transportation Plan. The project is developing a near-term quick-build concept for Fernside from Tilden Way to High St that can be implemented with pavement resurfacing, as well as a long-term concept for the full project area from Tilden Way to San Jose Ave.
In December 2023, the consultant team completed an existing conditions analysis, including traffic speeds, crash data, previous community input, current roadway widths and configurations, AC Transit ridership, and more. They found that Fernside Blvd is a relatively wide roadway (57'-60') with auto traffic traveling higher than the posted speed limit and a higher crash rate than the state average on similar roadways.
The staff and consultant team completed the first round of public outreach in December 2023, focusing on existing conditions and community experiences of the street. Community participation was high, and consistent feedback included concerns about high vehicle speeds, difficulty crossing the street, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, illegal vehicle passing maneuvers, and drivers failing to stop at stop signs. Approximately 5-10% of respondents indicated that they did not want to see changes to the existing roadway configuration.
Based on project goals, existing conditions, and public feedback, the team developed the design concept alternatives below. All concepts include traffic calming and pedestrian improvements, but they are differentiated by their bikeway design.
Long-Term Des...
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