Road and Pedestrian Improvements

As a city, we need to make smart investments in infrastructure that contributes to a safe, convenient, economical and environmentally compatible intermodal transportation system. The following is a list of priorities recommended by me and my City Council colleagues:

• Williams Road Sidewalk Installation. The installation of a sidewalk on the north and south sides of Williams Road, between Eden and Winchester Boulevard, is needed to improve safety for both pedestrians and traffic. Because of ponding during wet weather, pedestrians currently must walk around large puddles or walk in the street. The installation of a sidewalk walkway will allow pedestrians to use Williams Road to walk safely between their homes and shopping centers on Winchester Boulevard, and it will create a safer street for bicycles and for on-street parking. This project is fully supported by Eden Neighborhood Association. The estimated cost for full sidewalk and street improvements is $670,000. I would recommend partial funding to get the project underway in the coming fiscal year. (BD #59 - $335,000)
• Julian Street/McKee Street Overpass Pedestrian Safety. Julian Street/McKee Street is a major arterial with heavy, fast-moving traffic. Pedestrians, including children who must cross this bridge over Highway 101to reach Ann Darling Elementary School and San Jose High School, are currently segregated from this traffic only by a small curb. Railings are required to make this crossing safer and more pedestrian-friendly. (BD# 24 - 180,000)
• West San Carlos Street Median between Shasta and Dana. Recently the Redevelopment Agency completed the median improvements on West San Carlos Street, but the project didn't include a full median build-out between Shasta and Dana. The current median design has created a safety problem for neighborhood residents, businesses, and commuters. This proposal would fund the installation of new curb, landscape, and pavers, consistent with the rest of the median design that will result in a safer street. (BD #9 -$150,000 RDA funds)
• Almaden Road Sidewalk Improvement. The section of this street between Ironwood and Redbird is confusing for motorists, presents safety concerns for pedestrians, and is a blight for the neighborhood. I recommend that we reconfigure of the sidewalk by extending it to include a portion of the street that is currently vacant. These improvements will provide for a safer street and improve neighborhood appearance. (BD #53 - $50,000)
• Lewis Road near Monterey Road Drainage Improvements. The infrastructure on Lewis Road is such poor condition that motorists traveling during wet weather often must swerve into the opposite lane to avoid large pools of water that collect after rainfall. This has resulted in several near accidents with oncoming traffic. I recommend allocating $467,000 for improvements for better street drainage and traffic safety in this area. (BD #2 - $467,000)
• Cedro Street between Cas Drive and Buckeye Drive. The project includes the construction of pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and street lighting and drainage improvements on the south side of Cedro Street between Cas Drive and Buckeye Drive. The Franklin-McKinley School District is willing to donate a portion of school property to accommodate the improvements that will allow students to safely use the sidewalk on their way to school and would improve the overall appearance in the neighborhood. (BD #5 - $175,000)
• Infrastructure Improvements on Holly Hill Avenue. Currently pedestrians, including school-age children, are forced to walk into the street as they walk to McLaughlin Avenue. This situation becomes more dangerous during wet weather. This project includes land acquisition, private property modifications, and construction of pavement, curb, gutter, and sidewalk to improve pedestrian safety. (BD #6 - $173,000)