Center Avenue Neighbors Demanding Stop Signs

For the people who live near the the intersection of Center Avenue and Redwood Drive in southern Martinez, that crossroads is literally an accident waiting to happen.

In fact, one did happen. Just a week go.

A Ford truck and a Chevy SUV collided when police say the driver of the truck pulled out of the Hidden Valley Park parking lot and in front of the sport utility vehicle that was traveling rapidly down Center Avenue. Two passengers in the SUV were injured.

This was the third accident this year in that vicinity. The other two were non-injury accidents that happened in March and August. In all three, speeding was either the primary or secondary cause.

Last week's accident has prompted neighbors to demand that stop signs be installed in both directions of Center Avenue at Redwood Drive.

At its quarterly meeting a few days after the accident, the city's Traffic Safety Committee discussed the intersection.

Martinez Police Lt. Jon Sylvia, a committee member, said the group decided to ask public works employees to trim the hedges in the center median for better visibility as well as order another speed survey for the road.

The committee also plans to hire a consultant to study the neighbors' request for stop signs. There are nearby stop signs now on Center Avenue at Glacier Drive and Beechwood Drive.

Police will also increase enforcement on the busy 60-foot-wide thoroughfare.

"We're always concerned about how residents perceive safety and the quality of life in their neighborhoods," said Sylvia.

For Olav Phillips, the stop signs can't come soon enough. The Redwood Drive resident witnessed last Monday's accident and helped the driver and young passenger in the SUV.

Phillips said cars come hurtling down the south side of Center Avenue without a good view of the Redwood Drive intersection.

He added there is extra traffic around 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. every weekday because parents are dropping off and picking up children at nearby Hidden Valley Elementary School.

Add to that the traffic going in and out of Hidden Valley Park and he says it's a recipe for disaster.

"It's dangerous. It's unreal," Phillips said.

Tony and Yvonne Stockl agree. The Redwood Drive couple cross Center Avenue most days to walk their dog at the park. They are extra cautious when they enter the painted crosswalk.

"You need to look closely and be very, very careful," said Yvonne Stockl.

Sylvia said the traffic consultant will look at all these factors when deciding whether to recommend stop signs.

He said there have been 16 accidents on the entire length of Center Avenue the past two years. Ten of those happened in the commercial area near Interstate 680.

A speed survey taken in 2009 showed that 85 percent of motorists drive 30 miles per hour or less on Center Avenue. That means 15 percent exceed 30 miles per hour. The posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour.