Crosswalk Improvements at Amador Valley Boulevard

The Crosswalk Improvements at Amador Valley Boulevard were constructed to improve pedestrian safety at a mid-block crosswalk linking two major shopping centers along Amador Valley Boulevard. Amador Valley Boulevard is a flat east-west 4 lane arterial with Class II bike lanes and a posted speed limit of 30 mph. There is a raised median and a moderate S-curve in the area of a mid-block crosswalk. Driveways are located on both sides of the street adjacent to the crosswalk with no turn restrictions. The crosswalk is heavily used by pedestrians of all abilities and is located approximately 360’ between traffic signals both to the east and west.  In the past several years, several vehicle/pedestrian collisions occurred at the mid-block crosswalk and the City received requests for enhanced safety measures at this location. The City commissioned a study to recommend actions to improve the safety at the crosswalk. These recommendations included: 1. Construction of a partial median to reduce the number of conflict points 2. Improved pedestrian warning signs to increase awareness of the potential presence of pedestrians 3. Improved roadway markings to guide motorists to the location to stop for pedestrians 4. Reconstruction of a driveway apron to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards 5. Construction of a pedestrian refuge area in the center median to provide a safe haven for pedestrians 6. Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) to warn drivers of the presence of pedestrians in the crosswalk All recommendations were implemented as part of this project. One of the issues that the City encountered was the new vehicle access restrictions due to the construction of the partial median. This action restricted traffic exiting the driveways to right turns only. Additionally, the westbound access into the southerly driveway was closed off with only eastbound access into the northerly driveway remaining. Concerns from local businesses owners regarding the access restrictions were addressed by identifying the significant number of alternate access points to the shopping centers. Additionally, traffic operations were evaluated as part of the study and no significant impacts were found. RRFBs have an irregular flashing pattern, have been shown to be significantly more effective at increasing driver yielding rates. Studies have shown up to an 80% yielding rate by drivers. The RRFBs are user activated and has a confirmation voice message. The installed RRFBs are solar powered and linked wirelessly which allowed the work to be completed without excavation of the existing pavement.  This project is consistent with the City’s Complete Streets Policy which aims to design roadway with consideration for all modes of transportation. This project encourages the use of walking by creating a stronger sense of safety for pedestrians and improved traffic safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles at the intersection.