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Report - Pedestrian and Bicyclist Prohibition on Broadway_2025-05-06.pdf

Santa Maria City Council
May 6, 2025

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Report - Pedestrian and Bicyclist Prohibition on Broadway_2025-05-06.pdf
Meeting
May 6, 2025
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Santa Maria City Council
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on pub-santamaria.escribemeetings.com. That file is the official record.

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works

DATE: May 6, 2025

SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Prohibiting Pedestrians and Bicyclists on Broadway (State Route 135) Northeast of Intersection with Preisker Lane

Description:

The City Council will consider approving a Resolution, consistent with California Vehicle Code Section 21960, to prohibit pedestrians and bicyclists on Broadway (State Route 135) northeast of the intersection with Preisker Lane.

Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pu rsuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution prohibiting pedestrians and bicyclists from travelling on Broadway (State Route 135) northeast of the intersection with Preisker Lane.

BACKGROUND:

City staff has coordinated with the developer of Chick-fil-A and Caltrans to improve traffic operations at the intersection of Broadway (SR -135) and Preisker Lane, in accordance with the Chick-fil-A Conditions of Approval. As part of these improvements, the developer is required to extend the southbound right -turn pocket on Broadway (SR -135) onto Preisker Lane. During Caltrans’ review of the associated encroachment permit, pedestrian and bicyclist accessibility was evaluated. Due to the lack of adequate facilities, it was determined that conditions in the area present a safety hazard for non -motorized users. Consequently, Caltrans recommends prohibiting pedestrian and bicyclist access on Broadway (SR-135) northeast of the Preisker Lane intersection.

DISCUSSION:

California Vehicle Code Section 21960 permits local authorities and Caltrans to restrict or prohibit pedestrian, bicycle, or other non -motorized traffic on designated freeways or expressways when vehicle access is controlled. Key provisions include:

Such restrictions are effective upon the installation of appropriate signage.

2 Local ordinances or resolutions affecting state highways must be reviewed and approved in writing by Caltrans.

Prohibition of pedestrian access must be supported by findings that no pedestrian facilities exist, and that use would pose a safety risk.

Based on these provisions, staff recommends adoption of the proposed Resolution, as appropriate infrastructure for pedestrian and bicycle use does not exist in this location , and safety risks are present.

The required signage will be installed by the Chick -fil-A developer, as part of the encroachment permit improvements, prior to the restaurant’s occupancy.

Alternative(s)
Council may elect to not approve the proposed Resolution. In this case, staff would need to work with Caltrans and the Chick -fil-A developer on the next steps, as the encroachment permit is contingent upon approval of the prohibition. This may delay the Chick-fil-A opening.

Fiscal Considerations
No additional costs are to be incurred for the City. The Chick -fil-A developer will bear all costs associated with the installation of signage, in compliance with the encroachment permit.

Impact to the Community
Pedestrians and bicyclists would b e prohibited from traveling on Broadway (SR -135) northeast of the Preisker Lane intersection. This access is expected to be restored upon completion of the planned US -101/SR-135 Interchange Project, currently scheduled to begin construction in 2030.

Other Agency Review
If approved, the City Resolution will be reviewed and approved by Caltrans prior to implementation, in conformance with California Vehicle Code Section 21960.

ATTACHMENT(S)

A. Resolution
B. State of California Vehicle Code, Section 21960

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