Local residents jammed the Community Hall to weigh in on a proposed traffic signal at the corner of Reliez Station Road and Las Trampas Road at the Oct. 26 Lafayette City Council meeting.
Lengthy comments on both sides of the issue focused on inconvenience, safety, traffic flow, and dangerous left turns coming out of Las Trampas and Richelle Court.
Currently there is a flashing light at the crest of the hill that will flash when activated by pedestrians. "The problem is you don't know which cars are going to stop," said Council Member Don Tatzin. "It's kind of like Russian roulette." The proposed signal would rest on green for motorists along Reliez Station Road.
A thorough year-long study with community input, an effort that not everyone at the meeting was aware had happened, was completed in May 2015 that evaluated the feasibility of addressing traffic congestion and safety issues along Reliez Station Road and Olympic Boulevard. Ultimately the consultants recommended a roundabout at the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Olympic Boulevard and a traffic signal at Reliez Station Road and Las Trampas/Richelle Court, along with additional corridor improvements.
City Engineer Tony Coe is preparing drawings that will come back for community review at a design open house where the public will be welcome to view the plans. In addition, a second public meeting will occur with the Circulation Commission where drawings and feedback will be presented. Finally, the project will be back before the city council when construction bids are received. Public meetings are all listed on the city website, www.lovelafayette.org. To read the entire Feasibility and Options Study, type "Reliez" into the website search box.
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