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Pedestrian Improvements

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

    Creating safe and attractive streets is a critical element to promote alternative transportation methods, such as walking. Studies show that people are willing to walk further if the journey is pleasant, which means that parking impacts on high-demand areas are reduced.

PROJECT GOALS

  • Improve pedestrian access
  • Enhance neighborhood appearance
  • Reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts

PROJECT INFORMATION

While all of our projects provide consideration for increasing neighborhood walkability the projects listed below are specifically pedestrian improvements.

Flashing LED Crosswalk

In Fall 2006, Uptown Partnership staff reviewed reports and studies to determine which intersection should receive priority funding for the installation of a flashing crosswalk. In 2007, the Board of Directors approved funding for installing a flashing crosswalk at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Spruce Street. The installation is pending awaiting the City’s contractor bid process. The budget for FY2009-10 includes funding for additional flashing crosswalk installations at key intersections in the Bankers Hill-Park West neighborhood. In October 2009 the first part of the project was implemented and the ladder crosswalk is now painted on the street.

Countdown Signals and Lead Indicators

In 2008, traffic signal improvements were installed at the following intersections; Park Boulevard at University Avenue, Fourth Avenue at University Avenue, Sixth Avenue at University Avenue, Fifth Avenue at Washington Street, Washington Street at India Street, and Washington Street at San Diego Avenue. The pedestrian signals feature flashing numbers that count down the amount of time for crossing. They also give pedestrians three seconds of lead time before vehicles get a green light. City and Partnership staff identified these intersection locations because of high pedestrian and traffic volume counts, and numerous vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.

University Avenue Sidewalk

In October 2005, the City of San Diego began to reconstruct sidewalks, curbs, and pedestrian crossings along the south side of the 1200 and 1400 blocks of University Avenue. Uptown Partnership contributed $30,000 for acorn street lights. Our staff worked with the Hillcrest Business Association and Council District Three to hold weekly community meetings that included City staff and the contractor to address construction impacts. Partnership staff also created the informational campaign concept “Paving our way…to a better neighborhood,” recorded notes from meetings, and developed and maintained a website for the project. Councilmember Toni Atkins dedicated the project on April 27, 2006.

PROJECT RESOURCES

   
     
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