Menlo Park Watch: Lighted crosswalks planned near Hillview Menlo Park Watch: Lighted crosswalks planned near Hillview (June 29, 2005)

Safety lights could be installed in the crossway pavement at five Menlo Park intersections, assuming the city wins the Caltrans grant it's applying for.

The planned lighted crosswalks are meant to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in the area of Hillview Middle School, city transportation engineer Rene Baile said in a staff report. They would be installed where Santa Cruz Avenue intersects with San Mateo Drive, Cotton and Olive streets, and Elder and Lemon avenues.

Santa Cruz is the main route for Hillview students strolling or pedaling to school, Mr. Baile said.

The project is expected to cost $390,500, including public outreach and education about the work. Crosswalk lights are activated by either a pedestrian push-button or an automatic detection system.

Caltrans officials will probably announce the grant recipients around the end of August, Mr. Baile said. If the city receives the grant, the work could be finished by September 2006.

Menlo council cancels meetings

Taking a summer break, the Menlo Park City Council has canceled its first two meetings in July.

The council is scheduled to resume meeting on Tuesday, July 19, in the council chambers at 701 Laurel St. The agenda is tentatively set to include discussion of a work plan for analyzing traffic impacts of housing and medical-office projects in the Linfield Oaks neighborhood.

For updated information on meeting agendas, call 330-6620 or go to menlopark.org and click on "City Council."

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