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REPORT <br /> To the Honorable Mayor and City Council <br /> From the City Manager <br /> <br />April 22, 2002 <br /> <br />Subject <br /> Agreement with the County of San Mateo for the Construction of a Lighted Crosswalk Warning <br /> System on Bay Road at Tenth Avenue. <br /> <br />· Recommendation <br /> Approve and authorize an agreement between the City of Redwood City and the County of San <br /> Mateo allowing the City to construct improvements within the unincorporated area of the County <br /> of San Mateo. <br /> <br /> Background <br /> Taft Elementary School officials and community residents have expressed concerns regarding <br /> the safety of an existing uncontrolled school crosswalk on 'Bay Road at Tenth Avenue, and have <br /> requested that the City look into possible safety enhancements for the crosswalk. Staff believes <br /> that adding a pedestrian-activated flashing in-pavement lighted crosswalk warning system <br /> (similar to the ones that are currently operating in downtown San Mateo on Fourth Avenue, and <br /> in Menlo Park on Crane Street), can address the concerns and improve the safety of the <br /> crosswalk. Recent studies indicate that flashing crosswalks have a positive effect on reducing <br /> vehicle speeds, increasing drivers yielding to pedestrians, and reducing pedestrian - motor <br /> vehicle conflicts. The crosswalk is already painted with "high visibility" crosswalk markings, <br /> pavement legends, and multiple warning signs in each direction, and a crossing guard is <br /> regularly posted at this intersection at school arrival and dismissal times. <br /> <br /> Because the San Mateo County/Redwood City City limit line runs parallel along Bay Road (near <br /> the centerline) at this location, about half of the crosswalk lies within the limits of Redwood City <br /> and half within unincorporated San Mateo County. Therefore, a portion of the proposed <br /> improvements will have to be constructed within the County's right-of-way. <br /> <br /> In December 2001, a letter was sent to the County of San Mateo indicating our desire to <br /> construct the proposed system and requesting approval to construct a portion of the new <br /> system within the County's right-of-way. The following month we received a response from the <br /> County indicating that a formal agreement allowing for the construction and providing that the <br /> City will operate and maintain the crosswalk will be required. <br /> <br /> The Agreement, prepared by City staff, was reviewed and approved by the County Board of <br /> Supervisors on April 2, 2002. The next steps are to finalize project plans and specifications <br /> (currently 90% complete), advertise for bids, and return to Council to award the Contract. <br /> <br /> -1- <br /> <br /> <br />