Verbal Communications (1)Date 4/4/2023 — prepared for LG Town Council Mtg.
Eva Fleischer eva1550@gmail.com
Eva .C.
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List of possible safety measures/improvements
for BHB/LA intersection in Los Gatos
Motivation: improve pedestrian safety in the region near Blossom Hill Blvd
(BHB) / Leigh Ave (LA) intersection in Los Gatos in light of the recent fatal
accident on 3/26/2023 and prior accidents; some improvements listed would
also reduce gridlock in the mornings and make it easier for drivers to turn
from side streets into BHB
Description
Effectiveness
Comment
1
Temporary Speed Sensors and Displays
Highly Effective, very low
cost, immediate
implementation
Temporary installation on
BHB and on LA
2
Speed Limit Signs on BHB — add more
signs, make them more visible, larger
signs, maintain visibility by cutting tree
branches where needed
Highly Effective, low cost
NOTE: currently no speed
limit past Union intersection,
one sign on BHB (eastbound)
obstructed by tree branch
3
Reduce maximum speed limit to 25MPH
Low cost
btw. Union and Camden;
Requires traffic assessment
4
Permanent Speed Sensor and Display
Highly Effective
Similar to signs on BHB btw.
Union and Los Gatos Blvd.
5
Pedestrian Islands in crosswalks
Effective, medium cost
Could add second crosswalk
6
'
Additional Signage and yellow flashing
lights at crosswalks
Effective, low cost
Similar to on LA and on BHB
7
Speed bumps or humps on BHB
Very effective
May not be feasible on large
street
8
Redesign BHB into 2-line btw Union and
Camden and add clearly marked bike
lanes (a.k.a. road diet)
Cfrivi mediate
Longer term but effective in
reducing speed, higher cost
Smoother traffic in the
mornings; encourages biking
to Leigh HS
Requires also redesigning BHB
/ Camden intersection
9
Redesign BHB / LA intersection in
roundabout
Longer term; very effective
in reducing speed, higher
cost
Definitely smoother traffic;
requires assessment of
intersection geometry but at
first pass there is enough
space for single lane urban
roundabout
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10
Speed enforcement
Effective but only when
police is present
Effect is temporary, variable
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Visualization of a Roundabout Intersection at Blossom
Hill Blvd and Leigh Ave in Los Gatos
Considerations
- Effectiveness: roundabouts are very effective and are gaining acceptance in US for
managing traffic flow, reducing emissions and improving safety (statistically fewer
serious traffic accidents) . Example: Carmel, IN
- Available space: per US DOT document on roundabouts, the BHB / LH has sufficient
space to create a single -lane roundabout allowing straight through traffic on BHB to
flow at 25MPH. The diameter needed depends on the assumed entry speed.
- Impact on adjacent streets: First assessment is that it would work well only if BHB
were a 2-lane street like Leigh Avenue is. Neither LA or BHB would require turning
lanes.
- Safety for pedestrians: Traffic lights would be replaced by the roundabout but for
pedestrians there would have to be yellow flashing lights on demand.
- Cost: Further assessment needs to be done.
BHB: 2-
lane street
l
Islands
' Bike lanes
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