Caltrans holds meeting discussing new pop-ups on Broadway in Eureka

by DANIA ROMERO

Tuesday, Jun 28th 2022

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EUREKA, Calif. —

In a meeting Tuesday evening, Caltrans discussed recent efforts to improve safety on Broadway in Eureka.

The organization plans to install temporary pop-up demonstrations as a way to analyze potential improvements, before making permanent changes to Broadway.

A temporary Class IV bikeway between Hawthorne and Wabash. Class IV bikeways have a vertical element between the vehicle lane and the bike lane. This design is intended to make bicyclists more visible and comfortable and potentially reduce collisions.
Temporary curb extensions between Papa & Barkley and 6th Street. Curb extensions — also known as bulbouts — are extensions of the sidewalk into the parking lane or shoulder at intersections. They help make pedestrians waiting to cross the street more visible to drivers. They also slow vehicles making turns. The demonstrations will not be adjusting any curbs or sidewalks. Delineators or posts will be placed where curbs may be constructed in the future. Curb extensions are not intended to prohibit any turning movements, and drivers will be able to make their regular turns at locations with temporary curb extensions during the demonstration period. Pedestrians should still stop at the curb and wait until it is safe to cross before stepping into the test curb extension area.
The closing of acceleration and deceleration lanes at Papa & Barkley and the southern Bayshore Mall intersections. Acceleration lanes provide space for turning drivers to speed up before merging into traffic, and deceleration lanes provide space for drivers to slow down without slowing through-traffic before making turns. The test locations are signalized, which stops cross traffic and allows drivers to make turns onto Broadway without needing to merge into traffic. In the proposed permanent project, the spaces used for acceleration and deceleration lanes will be reallocated to transit stops, bicycle facilities, and/or pedestrian use. The demonstration will temporarily use delineators to close or modify these acceleration and deceleration lanes.
The relocation of the southbound bus stop from McCullens Avenue to the southern Bayshore Mall entrance in front of McDonald’s. This will give transit riders and bus operators an opportunity to provide feedback on how well the new stop location works for them. Signage will be placed to alert riders of the temporary location, and riders will still be able to board or arrive at McCullens if necessary.
Closing the median near Papa & Barkley, near Hilfiker Lane, and near KFC. The demonstrations will temporarily use delineators to close the median at locations of proposed pedestrian crossings or traffic calming islands to understand impacts to drivers including emergency responders. The demonstrations WILL NOT include any marked crosswalks, pedestrian refuges, or other pedestrian crossing enhancements. Pedestrians should not use these locations to cross Broadway.