City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Rosemary Lozada, Management Analyst
Subject
Removal of Marked Crosswalks Along Pacific Boulevard at 45th, 46th, and 49th Street Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, because the project consists of restriping an existing street by removing the crosswalk markings to avoid potential adverse impacts to pedestrian and vehicular safety, and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use; and
B. Authorize pavement striping crew to remove all marked crosswalks along Pacific Boulevard at 45th, 46th, and 49th Street.
Background
The Public Works Department maintains a three-year traffic engineering consulting contract with Albert Grover & Associates (AGA) to support the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance roadway safety and operational efficiency. At the City’s request AGA conducted a comprehensive traffic control evaluation at three intersections along Pacific Boulevard at 45th Street, 46th Street and 49th Street (Attachment 1).
City staff directed AGA the feasibility of installing pedestrian hybrid beacon traffic signal, commonly referred to as High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signals at these locations.
Each of these intersections currently includes ladder-style crosswalks across Pacific Boulevard, a six-lane arterial with a posted speed limit of 40 mph. Pacific Boulevard carries significant heavy freight traffic and automobile traffic, requiring a heightened level of scrutiny with respect to pedestrian safety treatments.
The study determined that pedestrian crossing volumes at all three locations are exceptionally low, with fewer than 20 pedestrians per hour observed. Based on these findings, AGA concluded that the intersections do not meet the minimum thresholds established by the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for installation of a HAWK signal, a full traffic signal, or flashing yellow beacon warning devices. While the City retains discretion to apply engineering judgment when considering traffic control measures, AGA’s analysis indicates that additional pedestrian signalization at these locations is not warranted.
Given the minimal pedestrian demand at the intersections of Pacific Boulevard with 45th, 46th, and 49th Streets, the Public Works Department has evaluated the appropriateness of retaining the existing marked crosswalks. On wide, high-speed arterial roadways such as Pacific Boulevard—particularly where parked or idling trucks frequently obstruct sight lines—marked crosswalks may unintentionally create a false sense of security for pedestrians without providing adequate protection from approaching vehicles. In the interest of improving overall pedestrian safety, staff recommends consideration of removing the marked crosswalks at these locations.
Pedestrians would still be permitted to cross the roadway; however, the absence of marked crosswalks is expected to encourage greater caution when doing so.
Removal of the crosswalks requires formal public notification in accordance with California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21950.5 (Attachment 2). The statute requires that notice of the proposed removal be posted for a minimum of 30 days prior to implementation. In compliance with CVC Section 21950.5, notices of the proposed crosswalk removals along Pacific Boulevard at 45th, 46th, and 49th Streets were posted on February 10, 2026 allowing the public an opportunity to submit comments until March 12, 2026, at least 30 days prior to the City Council meeting (Attachment 3). Any crosswalk removal would be scheduled for a future date following the close of the public comment period.
The Notice of Public Comment flyer was reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Pacific Blvd. Traffic Signal Control Study
2. California Vehicle Code Section 21950.5
3. Notice of Public Comment