The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors last week took action to improve road safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
The board Oct. 3 approved funding for a Multimodal Feasibility Study that will identify infrastructure improvements to allow cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles to safely share the right-of-way along Foothill Expressway, including Junipero Serra Boulevard. The cost of the study will be covered by 2016 Measure B grant funding.
The source of the grant funding for the Foothill Expressway Multimodal Feasibility Study is the 2016 Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian program, which funds bicycle and pedestrian projects of countywide significance.
Measure B is a voter-approved 30-year, half-cent countywide sales tax to enhance transit, highways, expressways and active transportation (bicycles, pedestrians and complete streets). The county and the Valley Transportation Authority will enter into a funding agreement this fall. Once the agreement is finalized, the County Roads and Airports Department will prepare the scope of work and select a consultant to work on the study.
Supervisor Joe Simitian, whose District 5 includes Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View, said the study process will “include robust community engagement.”
“I’m pleased to see these improvements on the horizon,” he said. “A comprehensive, long-range plan that helps move traffic along while keeping all users safe is just what we need.”
The board also adopted a resolution that prohibits parking on Mora Drive at Eastbrook Avenue, located in the unincorporated area between Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. The board acted after neighboring residents expressed concerns about reduced visibility and line-of-sight problems resulting from cars parking on a narrow shoulder with a steep slope.
County staff determined that establishing a “No Parking” zone would address concerns. The newly implemented restriction will take effect on the north shoulder of Mora, beginning at the intersection with Eastbrook and extending 150 feet west of Eastbrook.
“I know parking is at a premium, but issues of safety have to come first, and I think most folks understand and appreciate that,” Simitian said.
Signage denoting the new “No Parking” zone on Mora is scheduled for installation by the end of November.
