The Charleston-Arastradero Corridor in south Palo Alto is a high volume, 2.3 mile roadway serving 11 schools and lined with private residences, commercial uses, and non-profits. The corridor extends from East Charleston Road at Fabian Way to Arastradero Road at Miranda Avenue. Charleston Road and Arastradero Road each have four (4) through vehicle lanes and there are ten (10) signalized intersections along the corridor.
In April 2003, a Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Study was initiated to address vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and to enhance the residential character of the corridor. In January, 2004, the Palo Alto City Council approved a Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Improvement Plan and Phasing Plan. In December, 2005, the City Council approved funding for a trial demonstration of the plan.
The trial demonstration will take place in two phases. Phase One will be implemented in the summer of 2006 and Phase Two in the summer of 2007.
Summer 2006 - Key Features of Phase One:
- Reduce vehicle lanes from four (4) lanes to two (2) with striped medians and left turn pockets from Fabian Way to Alma Street
- Construct a dedicated right turn lane into Gunn High School
- Create a dedicated right turn lane into Hoover Elementary School
- Enhance existing and add new bicycle lanes
- Coordinate traffic signal timing to adapt to real-time traffic conditions
- Preserve current major intersection configurations
- Create lighted crosswalks for safety
Summer 2007 - Key Features of Phase Two:
- Reduce vehicle lanes from four (4) lanes to two (2) with striped medians and left turn pockets on Arastradero from El Camino Real to Miranda Avenue
- Coordinate traffic signal timing to adapt to real-time traffic conditions
- Preserve current major intersection configurations
- Create lighted crosswalks for safety
Trial Evaluation:
Upon completion of the trial demonstration in the summer of 2007, the City, with input from the community, will perform an evaluation. Performance measures related to safety, travel time and speed, and bicycle and pedestrian volumes will be used to evaluate the trial.
Final Approved Plan:
The final plan, approved by the City Council in January 2004, includes additional street trees, landscaped medians, street furniture and other landscape architecture to enhance and make the features of the trial permanent. If the trial is determined to be a success, the City will pursue funding to implement the permanent, final plan.
