Description
I am resident of San Jose, CA, and had to visit Burlingame for an appointment. Google map funneled us from 280 via Bellevue Ave across El Camino towards our destination. Both myself (25+ yrs safe driving experience) and my son (new driver) found crossing El camino on Bellevue Ave both ways was very unsafe. There is just stop sign on Bellevue, and given traffic conditions it is hard to find all 4 El Camino lanes empty for safe crossing.
On our way back i.e. going west on Bellevue (from downtown to 280 direction), the El Camino crossing challenge is even harder. When we stopped at stop sign due to large trees on sidewalk we could not see North bound traffic on El camino to start our crossing. We have to keep guessing and take our chances to start the El Camino crossing. Another issue is that the amount of El camino driver can see here is so small that there is no enough time to check both sides are clear to start the crossing at El camino's avg traffic speed.
We did the crossing, but it was so dreadful that we missed the cars on El Camino by few inches and luckily did not end-up in T-boning car.
It would be great if city can look into making this intersection safer. Few options or combinations -
1. add signal - this intersection is small so not sure is that best option
2. clear trees on side walk at this intersection so that it can increase visibility
3. Ban El camino crossing on Bellevue Ave, and allow only right turns on El camino in both directions with clear traffic signs
4. I am sure city traffic experts would have better solutions
Thought of sharing our experience to avoid accident in the city. Happy to support further follow-up as needed.
Pravin Kantak
10 Comments
accessBurlingame (Verified Official)
Prodport (Registered User)
Camron (Registered User)
The West to East crosswalk is completely unsafe. Most drivers do not yield to pedestrians here. In addition to design changes, this intersection is in need of pedestrian safety enforcement. The city needs to stop pretending it can take zero action because El Camino Real is a state highway. Contact Caltrans, increase enforcement, or make changes to Bellevue.
City of Burlingame employees, no more excuses. This needs to be safe enough for your 8-year-old to cross without supervision.
M Velasco (Registered User)
Sadly this is not a new issue.
The city has known about this problem for years. And even discussed possibility of making Bellevue right turn only at El Camino but it’s still the way it is today 5 years later. See item 6c on the Oct 2018 agenda of the Traffic Safety and Parking Commission:
http://burlingameca.legistar1.com/burlingameca/meetings/2018/10/1381_A_Traffic_Safety_and_Parking_Commission_18-10-11_Meeting_Agenda.pdf
Probably best to write to tspc@burlingame.org to bring up the issue again.
クローズド Management Analyst - LC (Verified Official)
Reopened Camron (Registered User)
ADIは、 Management Analyst - LC (Verified Official)
Prodport (Registered User)
M Velasco (Registered User)
Management Analyst - LC (Verified Official)
Thank you for the information you have provided. El Camino Real (State Route 82) is owned and maintained by Caltrans. We have contacted Caltrans regarding the information you provided. Additionally, the upcoming Caltrans El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project will make improvements to this corridor. Visit https://ecralternatives.com/, call Caltrans at 510) 286-4444 or email caltrans_d4@dot.ca.gov for more information regarding Caltrans upcoming El Camino Real Roadway Renewal Project or for any questions regarding El Camino Real.
Burlingame Public Works staff will review the location for the possible placement of an additional sign.