What we know
Colby Wright, a traffic engineering manager at Quiddity Engineering, said the firm conducted a traffic study on the intersection Feb. 1 and found that:
- A total of 26 vehicle collisions occurred between 2020 and 2024, with two of the collisions due to vehicles failing to yield to a pedestrian
- More than 168 pedestrian crossings occurred every hour between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a peak of 448 pedestrian crossings on Saturday from noon to 1 p.m.
- Pedestrian volumes on Thursdays and Fridays were much less, with a low of six to a high of 47 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Based on these findings, Wright said the intersection is considered a “safe signalized intersection” and that "turning vehicles yield to pedestrians” signs should be installed instead.
The background
The intersection was a subject of disapproval from residents when City Council originally voted unanimously Oct. 7 to install the signs near Evelyn's Conservancy Park to increase pedestrian safety, and reduce the likelihood of conflicts between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians in crosswalks.
However, residents voiced concerns during a Dec. 2 public comment session and said these newly implemented signs would likely increase traffic and questioned their effectiveness. Resident Jennifer Cannon told council that she believed these signs would cause more congestion, especially in the mornings.
"People are going off to work, they're going to the medical center,” Cannon said during a Dec. 2 City Council meeting. “We have a lot of doctors that live here, we're taking kids to school."
What’s next?
City Attorney Alan Petrov said during the meeting that city staff will install "turning vehicles yield to pedestrians” signs at the intersection at a later date.
