The Chico City Council approved the addition of two roundabouts on the Esplanade in two 4-3 votes Thursday night.
The roundabouts will be placed at the Esplanade’s intersections with First Avenue and Memorial Way.
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| Photo by Samantha O'Reilly |
Brendan Ottoboni, director of Public Works-Engineering for the city, explained the proposed changes. The roundabouts will help to alleviate current traffic problems by reducing collisions and improving traffic flow.
The council approved plans to make the historic boulevard safer for everyone by creating clearer paths for pedestrians and cyclists. The council voted on 11 items that will make the Esplanade American Disabilities Act compliant by creating ramps, sidewalks, longer signals at crosswalks and places for pedestrians to pause as they cross the street.
These decisions were based on last year’s $143,623 study which found that the Esplanade corridor does not meet federal safety standards.
The council plans to pay for these changes by using state and federal grants designed to help communities make their roads safe and user-friendly for bikers, pedestrians and people with disabilities. Cost and design will be determined after grant money is secured.
By Samantha O'Reilly
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| Many people expressed support, concerns, doubts about proposed changes for the Esplanade corridor at a special City Council meeting Thursday. Photo by Samantha O’Reilly |