COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: February 17, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Establishment of a Crosswalk on South College Drive
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution for the establishment of a mid-block crosswalk located on South College Drive approximately 200 feet north of the East Camino Colegio and South College Drive intersection.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the establishment of a mid -block crosswalk on South College Drive approximately 200 feet north of the East Camino Colegio and South College Drive intersection.
BACKGROUND:
City staff received a request for the installation o f a high visibility crosswalk with rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) to facilitate pedestrian crossings between the southern college entrance and the athletic fields located across South College Drive.
A mid-block crosswalk across South College D rive would provide a marked, centralized crossing location for Allan Hancock students and residents in the area. Pedestrians frequently cross South College Drive at this location as there is a transit stop on the eastern side of the road, a parking lot on the western side, and the College’s softball, baseball, and shotput fields.
DISCUSSION:
Marked crosswalks should not be installed indiscriminately. Pedestrian crossings at uncontrolled intersections and mid-block locations are generally unexpected by motorists and should be discouraged unless strong engineering justification exists to support their installation. Pedestrians typically follow the path of least resistance and the shortest travel distance.
2 Considering students, their families, spectators, and other participants attending sporting events, it is reasonable to expect that pedestrians will choose the most direct route by crossing South College Drive at the intersection with the private road serving as the southern entrance to the college.
South College Drive consists of three lanes, with one lane in each direction and a two - way left -turn lane. The posted speed limit along this segment of South College Drive (Section 7 -4.06 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code) is 35 miles per hour, and the estimated Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) ranges from 9,000 to 15,000 vehicles, based on the 2018 Annual Traffic Count Summary Map. According to the Federal Highway Administration’s Field Guide for Selecting Countermeasures at Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossin g Locations , the installation of RRFBs is an appropriate countermeasure for this type of uncontrolled crossing location.
The nearest controlled intersection is located at South College Drive and East Stowell Road, approximately 1,300 feet from the propose d mid-block crosswalk. No pedestrian- related collisions have been reported at this intersection.
The Traffic Committee has reviewed the request and recommends that the City Council authorize the establishment of the proposed mid -block crosswalk with high -visibility striping and RRFBs.
Alternative(s)
1. The City Council could request additional measures to improve the crosswalk, such as:
a. Curb extensions
b. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
These additional measures would reduce traffic speeds, reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians, and provide active warning of the pedestrian presence.
2. The City Council could also deny the request to establish a crosswalk at this location.
Fiscal Considerations
Sufficient funds for miscellaneous roadway projects, including this project, have been budgeted in F iscal Year 2025/2026 under the account titled “Various Street Improvements” (7200 -FD463-CC1120-SC7425). The estimated total project cost, including construction, inspection, and staff time is $83,000.
Design = $20,000
RRFB equipment = $11,000
Construction = $45,000
Staff time (project management, inspection, etc.) = $7,000
3 Impact on the Community
Installing the proposed crosswalk will increase the visibility of the pedestrian travel path commonly used between the southern college entrance and the athletic fields. Enhanced visibility is expected to reduce the likelihood of future vehicle-pedestrian collisions at this location.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution