Santa Barbara Adds Safer Pedestrian Crossings

(stock photo)

Source: City of Santa Barbara

Construction has begun on pedestrian safety improvements at street crossings throughout the City.

Work will include new pedestrian countdown timers and shortened crossing distances at the State/Alamar intersection, and new pedestrian flashing beacons at Alamar/Puesta Del Sol & La Cumbre/Calle Cita.

Pedestrian signage at 13 other uncontrolled crossings will also be improved.

PROJECT TITLE

Highway Safety Improvement Program – Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This Project will improve pedestrian safety at various locations throughout the City. The enhancements vary by site, including pedestrian countdown timers, shortening pedestrian crossing distances, curb extensions, street lighting, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons.

PROJECT BENEFITS

Without pedestrian indications, pedestrians do not know if they can begin crossing with enough time to safely reach the other side of the roadway. Installing countdown timers will provide pedestrians with essential information when crossing the wide intersection of State Street and Alamar Avenue.

The safety enhancements at the two school crossings at Alamar Avenue and Puesta Del Sol and also at La Cumbre Road and Calle Cita will improve pedestrian safety by increasing driver awareness and yielding compliance. This will be achieved by installating pedestrian flashing beacons and curb extensions.

QUICK FACTS

Location: State Street and Alamar Avenue; Alamar Avenue and Puesta Del Sol; La Cumbre Road and Calle Cita; and 13 other uncontrolled crossings throughout the City. Construction Schedule: summer to fall 2019
Total Project Costs: $644,484
Funding Source: Federal Safety Grant – Highway Safety Improvement Program with partial City match.