Can we get a signal at South Fairfax and Redbank?
| Friday, Oct 29 2010 01:33 PM
Last Updated Friday, Oct 29 2010 01:33 PM
Q: I actually have two related questions:
* Are there any plans to put a traffic signal at the corner of South Fairfax and Redbank roads? During Mira Monte and Fairfax school drop-off and pick-up times, the traffic is horrendous because this intersection is only controlled by a stop sign. A properly programmed traffic signal would ease the traffic and would make it safer for students and other pedestrians who must cross there.
* During Mira Monte and Fairfax school drop-off and pick-up times near the intersection, many drivers actually go off the road and drive through and around the vineyard to avoid the traffic caused by the stop sign. This obviously is wrong and most likely is illegal, and not only poses a dangerous situation to students walking along the street and other drivers, but also causes an air-quality hazard due to the large clouds of dust these vehicles kick up.
Are there any plans to address this reckless and dangerous driving behavior and the environmental impact it causes?
-- Name not given
A: Ryan Starbuck, a city of Bakersfield engineer, fielded the first part:
There is no current plan to place a traffic signal at the intersection. Redbank Road is currently offset at the intersection, which would require substantial roadway improvements before a signal could be installed. The roadway improvements are normally done by developers as conditions on their projects to accommodate future traffic demands. The high school, for example, was required to widen the west half of Fairfax Road and the south half of Redbank Road along its frontage and install curb, gutter and sidewalk.
As other owners develop their property in the area, they will have to make similar improvements and dedicate additional right-of-way to the city so the roads can be widened and properly aligned. The Public Works Department will look into the feasibility of making roadway improvements within the existing right-of-way at the intersection since it could be some time before other development projects occur in the area.
Editor's note: We will pass your concerns about the traffic to the Bakersfield Police Department.
