Pedestrian Safety Improvements Coming To 5 Benicia Schools

BENICIA, CA — Construction is slated to begin Monday on a project bringing traffic and pedestrian safety to five Benicia schools and two Vallejo schools.

The city of Vallejo is the lead agency on this joint project, and recently awarded a $2.97-million construction contract to FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. of Livermore, which includes nearly $1 million — $973,228 to be exact — for the Benicia portion of the project.

The project is being funded through the state of California's Active Transportation Program Safe Routes to Schools.

"This grant project and its traffic and pedestrian improvements have been long awaited and will greatly improve safety at all five Benicia schools," said William Tarbox, director of Public Works for the city of Benicia.

The SR2S Pedestrian Improvement Project construction work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, according to a news release Tuesday from the city's Public Works Department. Work is scheduled to take place daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and efforts will be made to impacts on residents, businesses and motorists near the schools, city officials said.

Here are the traffic and pedestrian safety improvements coming to five Benicia schools:

Mary Farmar Elementary School: Installation of high visibility yellow crosswalk on Military West at Drolette Way with a pedestrian-actuated flashing beacon and install accessible curb ramps. Installation of high visibility yellow crosswalk on West 7th Street at Lori Drive with a pedestrian-actuated flashing beacon and installation of accessible curb ramps.

Robert Semple Elementary School: Installation of high visibility yellow crosswalk, refresh all pavement markings and striping around the school, install a pedestrian-actuated flashing beacon on East S Street and Hillcrest Avenue at East 3rd Street, widen and installation of sidewalks on East 3rd Street, upgrade lighting in tunnel under I-780, and install accessible curb ramps. Construction of a sidewalk on the south side of East S Street from East 2nd Street to East 3rd Street (approx. 600 ft. long).

Benicia Middle School: Widening of sidewalks along school frontage and installation of accessible curb ramps. Widening of sidewalks west of school driveway entrance at the bus stop, installation of high visibility yellow crosswalk and a pedestrian-actuated flashing beacon across Panorama Drive near James Court and crossing Southampton Road at Panorama Drive.

Joe Henderson Elementary: Replacement of sidewalk along schoolfrontage, including north of school driveway entrance and retrofitting pathway for ADA accessibility and installation of accessible curb ramps.

St. Dominic School: Installation of pedestrian-actuated flashing beacon at East J and East 5th Streets.