In the fall of 2013, the Roadway Committee and the Traffic Mitigation Subcommittee met and developed a set of recommendation to address the traffic congestion concerns in the 3rdStreet Corridor.Â
The Traffic Congestion Mitigation Subcommittee’s goals and recommendations for this project were:
- Elimination of some parking spots to allow cars to queue up to turn thus allowing non-turning cars to move on.
- 3rd between Grand and Irwin, both sides, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Allow traffic to go straight from the left-turn lane at Grand during the hours that parking is eliminated on the south side of Third Street between Grand and Irwin. This would also create an additional lane and improve traffic flow.
- At least 3 spaces on Third Street prior to the Fire Station and 3 spaces approaching Irwin (in front of the Little Mandarin Restaurant).
- Commercial vehicles and cars for sale along Third Street
- Eliminate all parking in front of SRHS during rush hour (7am-9am) to create an additional lane and thus improve traffic flow through the stoplight.
- Signal Synchronization
- Operate with flow of traffic (i.e. smart signals) and push button signals for pedestrians
- 3rd & Union and 3rd & Heatherton
- Clear Lane Markings
- Better lane markings and signage above lanes (under 101 & on surface onto Heatherton)
- Crosswalk Modification
- Eliminate crosswalk across Heatherton, south side, at Transit Center
- San Rafael High School Suggestions
- Relocate school bus drop off in a different location (other than CVS and Transit Center); e.g., front side of High School (near Gym) or a different place along Grand or 4th Street
- Crossing guard(s) for High School student traffic
- Continued education of High School students on traffic problems and their role in helping to solve them
In January 2014, the Roadway Committee and the Traffic Mitigation Subcommittee met with the San Rafael City Manager and Director of Public Works to begin to review and discuss the recommendations developed by the Subcommittee to address the traffic congestion problems in that area. The Public Works Director agreed to study the Subcommittee’s recommendations and ultimately agreed to implement:
- A trial removal of parking on Third Street between Grand Avenue and Irvin Street in front of United Market on weekdays from 7am to 7pm
- Elimination of two parking spaces on Third Street in front of the fire station than would extend the right turn queuing lane 0nto Union Street
The Public Works Director wanted to examine the impact of traffic resulting from these two actions before considering implementation of additional strategies.
The Roadway Committee believes implementation of these two actions has greatly improved traffic flow in the Third Street corridor and will continue to monitor the situation and work with City staff on further changes should they become necessary.