Middlefield Road & North California Avenue Complete Streets Project

The Middlefield Road & North California Avenue Complete Streets Project consists of two phases that include new bikeways, crosswalks, and smooth pavement. The project is an expansion upon Public Works’ Middlefield Road maintenance project, improving multi-modal mobility along the residential arterial between Oregon Expressway and Forest Avenue. Project goals and design elements achieve the safety, preservation, and sustainability goals set for by the Save California Streets Program through the following: • Efficient use of resources by implementing changes in conjunction with Public Works’ Five Year Paving Plan, adjusting existing video detection to detect bikes in addition to vehicles, and achieving goals primarily through striping • Encouraging reduced speeding of motorists to help reduce fatalities and serious injuries • Increasing access to safe multi-modal transportation options by constructing a separated bikeway and widening sidewalks • Improving pedestrian and bicyclist connections between neighborhoods and community facilities and resources The first phase of the project has been completed. Project Goals: The following five goals were developed through community meetings to guide the project plan: 1. Reduce Speeding: All existing travel lanes were retained, but narrowed, added painted crosshatching at intersections, and simplified centerline striping. 2. Limit Aggressive and Unsafe Passing: The shoulder at intersections was striped with crosshatching and traffic buttons, discouraging motorists from passing on the right side of the through lane. 3. Rationalized Traffic Operations: Right and left turn lanes were adjusted or added to reflect demand for movements, without road widening. 4. Improve Pedestrian Connections: High visibility crosswalks were added, reducing the distance between crosswalks. Sidewalk extensions also improve visibility and reduce crossing distance, better connecting neighborhoods with community facilities and resources. 5. Enhance Bicycle Connections: A two-way protected bike lane provides a seamless cross-Middlefield bike link and connection to Jordan Middle School. The cycle track provides students with direct access to the school’s bike parking facilities. The cycle track is separated from motorized vehicles with painted crosshatching and wide white posts, or “bollards.” Results to date: The City of Palo Alto collected traffic data in September 2016 following changes to Middlefield Road. In addition to achieving the goal of reduced speeding, travel time on Middlefield Road has not significantly increased in spite of design changes. Northbound travel time on Middlefield has changed from 8:27 to 9:23 minutes to 8:05 to 8:30 minutes. Southbound travel time has changed 7:52 to 12:45 minutes to 10:14 to 10:51 minutes. The 85th percentile speed has decreased from 33 to 34 miles per hour to 29 to 32 miles per hour. The City is continuing to monitor the changes to Middlefield Road for any adjustments.