Crossing flags coming to downtown Menlo Crossing flags coming to downtown Menlo (January 26, 2005)

By Rebecca Wallace

Almanac Staff Writer

The bright orange flags that pedestrians carry across Ravenswood Avenue near the Menlo Park Library look like they're coming to downtown as well.

In a continuing effort to make the busy intersection of University Drive and Menlo Avenue near Draeger's market safer for pedestrians, city staff members are planning to provide crossing flags on the easterly segment of Menlo. Flags are stored in containers on both sides of the street, and a walker can pick one up and brandish it while crossing to help drivers see him or her better, transportation engineer Rene Baile wrote in a staff report.

The flags will cost about $4,000, which will come from Measure A transportation sales tax money, he said.

Meanwhile, the City Council is expected to vote January 25 on more permanent safety measures for the crossroads, which could include a $285,000 traffic signal or $6,500 worth of new striping and signs, or both. The council has been discussing how to improve the tricky intersection, but held off to increase public awareness of the possibility of a traffic signal by putting up banners and signs at the intersection recently.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 701 Laurel St.

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