Signs Over Saws at Floribunda

There may be progress on the on-going saga of the Floribunda - El Camino intersection.  I'm not convinced it is even the worst intersection on El Camino, but Caltrans seems to have a grudge against those particular eucalyptus more than others.  Here is the DJ article noting the possible compromise

In an effort to save Burlingame’s prized eucalyptus trees lining El Camino Real, and enhance driver safety, officials are nearing an agreement altering traffic flow at a problematic intersection on the busy thoroughfare.

The Burlingame City Council will consider, during a meeting Monday, March 7, a deal with Caltrans to establish a pilot program disallowing cars driving south on El Camino Real to turn left at the intersection of Floribunda Avenue.

For years, Caltrans officials have threatened to thin the historic eucalyptus grove near the intersection to make room for a left-hand turn lane, which caused consternation among members of the Burlingame community who consider the trees part of the city’s identity.  (and who doesn't??)

"Thin"?  "Thin"?  We ain't talking about thinning trees that are six or seven feet in diameter.  Hello.  "The issue gained momentum in recent months, as city officials drafted a letter to Caltrans in August advocating for the protection of the trees, in response to a letter from the transportation agency suggesting no harm would be done to the historic nature grove by removing nine trees."

Tree hero, Jennifer notes that this sentence is mistaken:  "Under the pilot program, the southbound left hand turn prohibition would stay in place for three months while officials gauge its effectiveness in reducing traffic conflicts."  It's three years, not three months.

Allow me to suggest this might be a good place for a traffic camera as well.  If the "pilot" doesn't do the job it will be because of lack of enforcement.

Comments

[Joe]

It looks like the deal is done:

Burlingame officials finalized an agreement designed to enhance driver safety along El Camino Real while preserving the city’s historic eucalyptus tree grove by implementing traffic restrictions at a potentially dangerous intersection.

Under a decision by the Burlingame City Council during a meeting Monday, March 7, cars traveling south along El Camino Real will no longer be allowed to make a left turn at Floribunda Avenue toward downtown.

The prohibition was found as a compromise with Caltrans, the state transportation agency responsible for managing El Camino Real, which has long been searching for ways to reduce accidents on the busy thoroughfare.

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2016-03-09/deal-struck-saving-burlingame-eucalyptus-trees-officials-hopeful-traffic-amendment-will-improve-driver-safety/1776425159743.html

This is a true case of "duh". It only took a couple of years..................