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1. Has the traffic analysis accounted for the large amount of pedestrians and vehicles in Kings Beach during the summertime? Will the roundabout provide a pedestrian beacon to meter pedestrians across th

Yes. The traffic analysis was done for off-peak season (winter) and the peak season (summer). The traffic volumes used in the analysis are average volumes experienced in the summer peak season. We did not analyze holidays or peak events. Summer and Winter pedestrian counts were taken and they are included in the traffic analysis. The pedestrian counts showed in the peak hour, there are approximately 36 pedestrians crossing the north leg of the intersection (SR 267/SR 28 and Brassie Ave/SR 28) and 14 pedestrians crossing the west leg of the intersection (SR 28). There are 40 pedestrians walking past the intersection along the southern side of SR 28, however, this movement does not disrupt traffic. The analysis shows that traffic will still operate acceptably with the volume of cars and pedestrians. The pedestrian volumes at this intersection are anticipated to be significantly lower than the pedestrian volumes in the Commercial Core based on pedestrian traffic counts Caltrans conducted in July of 2019.  Those counts showed that there are on average 5 times more pedestrians crossing SR 28 in the commercial core than at the project location. 

With the roundabout alternative the County is currently proposing to install rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at the crossings. The RRFBs are push button activated (meaning a pedestrian has to push the button and wait for the lights to flash. The RRFBs do not stop pedestrians from crossing. Other pedestrian signals that control pedestrian traffic were considered and may be installed in the future, if determined needed and approved by Caltrans.

2. Has the County considered putting in flashing lights at the existing crosswalks to make pedestrians more visible to approaching traffic?

At the crosswalks within the project limits (the midblock crosswalk at Safeway and the new crosswalks at the roundabout) will have RRFBs which are pedestrian activated flashing lights. Additionally, the County will install clear signage warning drivers of pedestrians ahead.

3. Why are there so many crosswalks in the roundabout? Can the design team eliminate the crosswalk on the east leg? Why are the crosswalks so close to the roundabout?

One of the stated purposes and needs of the project is to provide a complete street environment that makes biking and walking easier within the project limits. The goal of the roundabout crosswalks is to provide convenient and safe locations for pedestrians to cross traffic and best achieves this goal for not only pedestrians but also cyclists. The crosswalks serve a dual purpose, one for pedestrians and the other for cyclists who are not comfortable riding through the roundabout. These cyclists can exit the bicycle lane using the bike ramp and enter onto the shared use path/sidewalk to navigate around the roundabout. Not providing a crosswalk on the east leg would also add time/length to the walking and biking route. Providing crosswalks on the east leg also provides better connectivity to the sidewalk proposed along SR 267. It also provides connectivity for people coming off of the northern leg of Secline St. wishing to head to North Tahoe Beach or other designations on the south side of SR 28 a shorter and more direct SR. The County, however, has requested that Caltrans consider the removal of at least one crosswalk. This will be vetted during the design phase of the project.  

4. What are the limits of the proposed sidewalk along SR 267?

The proposed sidewalk will be constructed on the east side of SR 267 only and will span from the intersection at SR 28 to Dolly Varden Ave where it will end.

5. Is the project team going to coordinate with Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) for input on the project?

The project team will coordinate with TART since two bus stops will be impacted by the project. The stops will be enhanced with improved access for riders and for the buses by the project.

6. Can the County retrofit the existing roundabouts with beacons and pedestrian timers?

The existing roundabouts in the commercial core area are beyond the scope of this project. However, the County is working separately from this project to address this issue. For more information on the existing roundabouts please visit the Placer County website for detailed project information: Kings Beach Western Approach Project. You can also contact Andy Deinken, Placer County Project Manager, at (530) 581-6235.