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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: July 16, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Bill Gallardo, Interim City Manager;
Lynn Merrill, Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Subject: Approve Decommissioning Two Traffic Signals (Ward 1) Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt Resolution No. 2025-337, Approving the decommissioning of two traffic signals at the intersections of 4th Street and F Street and 4th Street and G Street.
Executive Summary
The Public Works Department proposes decommissioning two existing traffic signals at the intersections of 4th Street and F Street and 4th Street and G Street. The removals of these signals are expected to improve the overall traffic flow and assignments of right of way for vehicles entering the intersections. Following the decommissioning, Public Works will install an appropriate All-Way stop control. All work will be performed in accordance with the applicable California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). Public notifications and coordination with nearby business and emergencies responders will be conducted prior to signal removal.
Background
This request aims to assess the feasibility, potential impacts, and necessary steps to decommission the traffic signal at the intersection of 4th Street with F Street and G Street in the downtown area. The signals were originally installed in the 1970’s to address increased traffic volumes serving the mall and surrounding land uses along 4th Street and have served the community for many years. However, due to changing traffic patterns, their operational need has diminished, and the signals are now operating in flashing mode until a permanent solution is determined to address ongoing issues with wire theft and damage.
Repeated vandalism of the wiring for traffic signals and streetlights in this area has resulted in frequent, expensive replacements. This stretch of 4th Street serves as a 2 7
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critical transportation corridor, providing access to key destinations such as the California Theater, the California Department of Transportation District 8 office, and various governmental facilities in the downtown area.
Discussion
The traffic signals at the intersections of 4th Street with F Street and G Street were originally installed to manage both vehicle and pedestrian traffic for the Carousel Mall entrances, as well as to accommodate the high volumes of inbound and outbound traffic along 4th Street including the main transit hub for downtown San Bernadino before the bus stops moved to the Transit Center on Rialto Avenue and F Street.
These signals played a crucial role in ensuring smooth traffic flow and safety for both pedestrians and vehicles in the area. However, following the closure and demolition of the mall, recent observations have revealed significant changes in traffic patterns, including a notable reduction in both foot traffic and vehicle volumes in the vicinity.
This decline in traffic flow has lessened the operational necessity of the signals, prompting a reconsideration of their continued use. One of the primary factors contributing to the need for decommissioning the signals is the escalating maintenance costs associated with the ongoing replacement of the signal wires. The area has experienced frequent incidents of vandalism, including the theft and damage of signal wiring, which has led to costly repairs and replacements. The recurring nature of these issues has made the maintenance of these signals both financially burdensome and operationally inefficient. Given the reduced traffic volumes and the high costs of maintaining and repairing the infrastructure, decommissioning the traffic signals appears to be a practical solution. By removing the signal heads, the city could potentially redirect resources toward alternative traffic management solutions that align better with the current traffic conditions, ensuring both safety and cost- effectiveness in the long term.
Staff are proposing to remove the existing signal equipment at the intersection of 4th Street with F Street and G Street, and replace it with an all-way stop control system, in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards. This new configuration would include the installation of all necessary signage, such as stop signs at all approaches to the intersections, as well as appropriate pavement markings to clearly delineate the stop limits for drivers.
The proposed change aims to simplify traffic control in the area, reflecting the reduced traffic volumes and the diminished need for traffic signals. The all-way stop control will enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians by clearly establishing right-of-way rules at the intersections, which could help reduce potential conflicts and improve overall traffic flow.
In addition to the stop signs, the proposal includes the installation of necessary traffic control devices such as advance warning signs, appropriate markings to guide drivers, and any additional traffic management infrastructure required to ensure safe and efficient intersection operation. This solution aligns with current traffic patterns and 2 7
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would significantly reduce the ongoing costs and maintenance associated with the existing signal system. By implementing all-way stop control, the city can also ensure compliance with the MUTCD while addressing both safety and cost-effectiveness. The decommissioning of the two traffic signals was approved by Public Safety and Human Relations (PS & HRC) commission at its meeting on March 10 th, 2025. The commission recommended the installation of Stop signs equipped with flashing LED borders at each intersection.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
This project is consistent with Goal No. 1(e): Improved Operational & Financial Capacity by minimizing risk and litigation exposure. This project will enhance safety for all users of the roadway and improve traffic flow along this stretch of 4th Street.
Fiscal Impact
There is no General Fund impact associated with this item. The estimated cost to install the “Stop” signs and add pavement markings ranges between $3,000 for each location. The Operations and Maintenance Division has an existing contract with Superior Signs and Paint Co, a Paving and Markings contractor to implement the proposed stop sign installations and the removal of the traffic signal equipment using an existing contract with Yunex Traffic with an estimated cost between $5,000 per intersection.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt Resolution No. 2025-337, Approving the decommissioning of two traffic signals at the intersections of 4 th Street and F Streets and 4 th Street and G Street.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Resolution No. 2025-337
Attachment 2 Location Map of 4 th Street and F Street
Attachment 3 Location Map of 4 th Street and G Street
Attachment 4 Stop Sign Warrant for 4 th Street and F Street Attachment 5 Stop Sign Warrant 4 th Street and G Street Attachment 6 Signal Warrant 4 th Street and F Street
Attachment 7 Signal Warrant 4 th Street and G Street
Ward:
First Ward
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
None