Item No. 13
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
SUBJECT: TOWN CENTER & LIBRARY CIRCULATION PROJECT –
DINKELSPIEL STATION LANE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve an amendment to the TJKM Agreement for Services to include additional alternatives and to prepare plans specifications and estimates for the Dinkelspiel Station Lane Pedestrian Walkway.
BACKGROUND
The FY 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget included the Town Center & Library Circulation Project – Holbrook-Palmer Park Connection to review and analyze pedestrian connectivity option and traffic adjustments around Town Center to facilitate access and mobility between the Town Center and Holbrook-Palmer Park, along Dinkelspiel Station Lane. The City Council, at their meeting on January 21, 2026, approved a professional services agreement with TJKM Transportation Consultants to conduct the evaluations.
Currently, Dinkelspiel Station Lane does not have a dedicated walkway or sidewalk between Maple Avenue and Watkins Avenue to facilitate pedestrian mobility between the Town Center Complex and Holbrook-Palmer Park.
The initial analysis conducted by TJKM was presented to the City Council at the June 17, 2026 meeting. Alternatives presented included:
Alternative 1 – Walkway Along Dinkelspiel Station Lane
• Provide a five-foot wide pedestrian walkway for the entire length of Dinkelspiel Station Lane from Maple Avenue to Watkins Avenue
• Installation of new ADA-compliant curb ramps and truncated domes at street crossings • To accommodate these improvements, relocation of a fire hydrant and a utility box at the Maple Avenue intersection and removal approximately 12 trees would be required. No parking would be permitted along Dinkelspiel Station Lane.
Dinkelspiel Station Lane Pedestrian Walkway
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
• The preliminary cost estimate for these improvements is approximately $205,000.
Alternative 2 – Retaining Parking Spaces and Partial Walkway Along Dinkelspiel Station Lane • Retain approximately six marked parking spaces between Maple Avenue and Walnut Avenue, and restrict parking between Walnut Avenue and Watkins Avenue. • Provide a five-foot wide walkway between Walnut Avenue and Watkins Avenue with new ADA-compliant curb ramps and truncated domes
• To accommodate these improvements, relocation of a fire hydrant and a utility box at the Maple Avenue intersection and removal approximately 10 trees would be required. • The preliminary cost estimate for these improvements is approximately $145,000.
The study also evaluated the intersection of Station Lane and Watkins Avenue, specifically related to pedestrian crossings. A key concern identified during the review is the potential for restricted visibility between southbound motorists on Watkins and pedestrians using the proposed crosswalk.
While field observations suggest that sight-distance limitations may exist, a detailed more detailed engineering evaluation is necessary to confirm the extent of the issue. This next phase of analysis would also include a more detailed assessment for the placement and visibility of pedestrian warning signs and other traffic control devices that could be accommodated. It is important to note that due to the proximity of the pedestrian crossing to the Watkins Avenue rail crossing, consultation with the California Public Utilities Commission will be needed and such consultation may limit warning devices that would detract from those associated with the rail crossing. The following improvements are recommended at the intersection:
• Installation of a new crosswalk and ADA-compliant curb ramps along Watkins, south of railroad tracks
• Removal of three (3) trees
• Installation of crosswalks related signs and traffic control devices to alert drivers along Watkins
• The estimated cost for these baseline improvements is included in the two alternatives discussed above
It was noted that to provide a full length walkway, maximize parking while minimizing impacts to trees, one-way traffic options would need to be considered.
Following public comment and Council discussion, the Council directed staff to obtain a proposal for further analysis including a one-way study, a topographic survey, and more detailed concepts that preserve trees and evaluate a separated path, with the Watkins crosswalk treated as a confirmed priority.
ANALYSIS
Following the Council meeting, staff requested that TJKM provide a proposal additional studies needed and for preparation of plans specifications and estimates for the project once the final configuration is approved. It is noted that the current agreement with TJKM included the evaluation of two traffic scenarios.
Dinkelspiel Station Lane Pedestrian Walkway
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
TJKM provided their proposal as follows:
• Evaluation of one additional traffic scenario (total 3) - $28,225 • Four additional in-person public meetings - $11,000
• Topographic survey - $7,710
• Preparation of Plans, Specifications and Estimates for project construction - $44,440 The total amendment for these tasks: $91,375
The traffic scenarios discussed with TJKM for evaluation include the following:
1. One-Way: Maple Avenue to Watkins Avenue
2. One-Way: Watkins Avenue to Maple Avenue
3. Split Flow from Walnut Avenue:
a. One-way Walnut Avenue to Watkins Avenue
b. One-way Walnut Avenue to Maple Avenue
Dinkelspiel Station Lane Pedestrian Walkway
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
Staff is requesting Council confirmation of the traffic scenarios to be evaluated and approval of an amendment to conduct the evaluations and complete the design of the preferred alternative once selected.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds were approved and are available in the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvements Program Budget. Funds for Town Center & Library Circulation Project – Holbrook-Palmer Park Connection is included in the Civic Center Master Plan Implementation Program budget in the amount of $200,000.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal B - Improve Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness • Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
The policy focus for the Council is continuation of design efforts in support of connecting the Town Center to Holbrook Palmer Park and improving safety along that corridor.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
Dinkelspiel Station Lane Pedestrian Walkway
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. TJKM Proposal Dated August 12, 2026 – Study C (Dinkelspiel Station Lane One-Way Operations)