New Traffic Signal Installed At Belmont Intersection

BELMONT, CA — Starting Friday, Aug. 9, with full activation set for Tuesday, Aug. 13, a new traffic signal is operating at Ralston Avenue and Tahoe Drive in Belmont, intended to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and streamline traffic at the intersection and at the Ralston Middle School driveway entrance, according to city officials.

Residents are advised to note new striping at this intersection and the Ralston driveway, as well, designed to provide more efficient school drop-offs/pick-ups, pedestrian and car travel through the area, the city said.

"The new traffic signal display will provide a safer, more efficient left turn into the middle school campus," officials said. "The flashing yellow-arrow indication provides a more direct message than the traditional circular-green indication for turns. It reduces confusion because the turn lane display is no longer the same indication as the adjacent through lanes. City urges motorists to use caution when traveling through this intersection until they become familiar with the new operations."

The "flashing red" was to be activated Friday with the signal to be fully operational by Tuesday, and during the days in-between, the intersection will operate as an all-way stop to allow motorists a chance to get accustomed to the new traffic pattern and to allow crews to observe and monitor the signal system.

"Travelers through this area should anticipate delays during this signal activation and testing phase and should plan accordingly," city staff said.

For more information regarding the new signal, follow this link.

The intersection updates will be integrated into the Ralston Corridor Traffic Signal Arterial Synchronization to coordinate with other nearby signalized intersections.

The Ralston Avenue Corridor Study and Improvements Project is a city priority, according to staff, and since the approval, several projects are underway or completed. To learn more, follow this link.

The Belmont Redwood Shores School District, in collaboration with the City of Belmont, funded and constructed this project as part of the Ralston Middle School’s expansion project.

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