Subject:
Title
Consider adopting a resolution authorizing the closing of a portion of Heatwole Road to vehicle traffic
Body
Presented By: Thomas Hartman, PE, LEED AP, Director of Public Works
Recommendation and Review
In the summer of 2020, residents who lives immediately adjacent to Heatwole Road contacted Public Works regarding safety concerns on Heatwole Road. The conditions on Heatwole Road were evaluated and it was determined that Heatwole Road is not built to neighborhood street standards but rather it is designed more like an alley. The traffic counts make clear that many people are using this route, despite Heatwole Road not being designed to accommodate such traffic. Closure of Heatwole Road to vehicles would be completed with collapsible bollards or a similar measure that allows for continued use of the road by people walking and biking as well as emergency vehicle access in emergency situations. Signs would be installed to identify the road as being for bicycle and pedestrian traffic only. Drivers currently using Heatwole Road would instead use Central Avenue to Pleasant Hill Road, South Avenue, or Maryland Avenue to reach their destination. Approval of this resolution authorizes the Department of Public Works to close the portion of Heatwole Road to vehicles between Sharon Street and Perry Street.