| | Published September 25th, 2024
| Public Works holds pop-up survey event for upcoming road safety project
| | | By Vera Kochan |  | | Pop-up road safety survey receives a variety of responses from participants. Photo courtesy of Moraga Public Works Department |
The Town of Moraga has seen numerous road repairs this summer, and there's more to come. The Public Works Department held a pop-up event at Canyon Club Brewery on Sept. 14 with the intention of getting public input on an upcoming project.
The Moraga Road and Canyon Road Complete Streets Project will deliver corridor improvements that connect pedestrians and bicyclists with improved access and safety to the Moraga Shopping Center and Moraga in general. The project will extend along Moraga Road and Canyon Road, beginning at St. Mary's Road (north) and continuing to Sanders Drive (south).
Expected improvements to the corridor include: repair or add new sidewalks, install high-visibility crosswalks and ADA-accessible curb ramps, support intersection safety through traffic signals and/or warning devices, manage speeds through radar speed feedback signage, enhance bike lanes with high-visibility markings and buffer zones, and install new bus stop shelters with people-friendly benches and street trees.
Members of the public were asked to keep in mind some project goals while taking the survey. The importance of safety is meant to align with Moraga's Local Roadway Safety Plan and the United States Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Program. This focuses on increasing access and comfort while eliminating serious roadway injuries and fatalities.
Another project goal stresses improved access and comfort when connecting residents to schools and services within town, whether they are walking or biking.
Community-responsiveness hopes to integrate principles of equity, engagement, and collaboration into determining strategies.
Lastly, the goal of sustainability is expected to make walking and biking safer and more comfortable, and reduce vehicle miles traveled, which in turn should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollutants.
The pop-up event collected responses from 23 individuals, half of which were Moraga residents. According to Public Works Senior Engineer Nate Levine, "The majority of the remaining participants were from Orinda, Lafayette, or the Bay Area. All noted that they are regular visitors of Moraga, either for work, recreation, or family."
Participants were given three stickers and asked to place them on a seven-pictured panel asking them to: "Tell us what safety improvements you want to see." Buffered bike lanes received 29% of the stickers, rectangular rapid flashing beacon (24%), high-visibility crosswalk (18%), median refuge island (12%), curb extension and sidewalk connections (7%), radar speed feedback (6%), and bus stop shelter and trees (4%).
As an added feature to the event, Post-it Notes were available to place at the bottom of the survey board. Three people felt inclined to add additional comments such as, "Many drivers are reckless and seem to be unaware of pedestrians and bicyclists. Any improvements to see them safe would be great, especially students."
Another comment was, "Crosswalks across Moraga Road should have the crosswalk lights and Country Club Drive. Walkway on Moraga Road from Country Club Drive to Moraga Way to connect it to light and crosswalk. Currently have to walk in road or bike lane."
A final note stated, "Would love to see more options for walking/biking in Moraga + related safety features."
The event turn out was as expected. "Pop-up events are intended to meet people where they already are," said Levine. "Canyon Club is located along the project corridor and is a natural gathering place for Moraga/Canyon Road users. The goal is to engage with actual users in a natural environment. The notes gave us a clear indication that the project goals aligned with the desires of the community and needs of the project corridor."
There are two additional outreach events planned (one in person and one virtual) in October and November/December. The next outreach event is scheduled for Oct 22. The time and location will be posted on Moraga's Public Works website.
For more information visit the project website: www.moraga.ca.us/606/MoragaCanyon-Road-Complete-Street-Project. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA