Pedestrian Safety Project in Old Town Goleta

Source: City of Goleta

The City will soon have improved pedestrian safety at two intersections. The project will install pedestrian activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB’s) across Hollister Avenue at Chapel Street to provide an additional visual cue to alert motorists when a pedestrian wishes to cross the street. The second location includes the installation of a pedestrian crossing signal over the Calle Real travel lanes at the intersection of Kingston Avenue, replacing the existing old style yellow flashing beacons. Examples of the two types of pedestrian signalized crosswalks are pictured below. The project will also include new striping, signage, lighting, and the construction of new standard curb ramps. Construction will begin this Monday, January 25, 2021, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of April.

City of Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said, “The Department of Public Works is excited to be installing new pedestrian signalized crosswalks on Hollister Avenue near Cottage Hospital and Calle Real near the hotels, businesses, and residential areas. The City was awarded a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant to improve the pedestrian safety at these two locations. We appreciate your patience during the construction period.”

City staff is working with the contractor to minimize impacts to the public, however, the project will require the need to close travel lanes to complete the work. The contractor will be starting at the Hollister Avenue and Chapel Street location first and move to the Calle Real and Kingston Avenue location in early February. Traffic control will be in place with advance warning flashing boards. Delays are expected so please plan accordingly over the next couple of months while construction is occurring in these areas. Work will take place Monday – Friday, from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact City Construction Manager Bill Callaghan, MNS Engineers, at bcallaghan@mnsengineers.com or 805.648.4840 ext. 3506.