Champions Park in Lathrop opened not too long ago.
The first community park among a multiple of neighborhood parks in River Islands featured three multi-purpose fields, a picnic area, a concession stand, and an all-access playground for both children and adults.
With it also came the traffic.
The Lathrop City Council recently gave the nod to Pacific Excavation Inc. to handle the construction of the River Islands Parkway and Oberlin Avenue Traffic Signal Project – there’s currently stop signs at the intersection.
This came at the direction of elected leaders and in alignment with their strategic objective to enhance public safety while improving traffic flow.
“This project is a key component of the City’s broader efforts to accommodate increased traffic demand associated with ongoing residential and commercial development in the area,” according to the June 9 staff report.
Pacific Excavation, Inc. of Elk Grove submitted a base bid of $616,073, and was selected among the final four vying for the project.
There’s been noticeable increase in pedestrian traffic going to and from the park from the surrounding neighborhoods since the construction of Champions Park.
The rise in foot traffic raised concerns among residents about the safety and efficiency of the intersection.
Despite the all-way stop that controlled the intersection, residents expressed growing concerns about potential conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
Council members, because of that, determined enhanced safety measures were warranted at the Sept. 9 meeting.
Later that month, staff proceeded with the installation of a temporary all-way stop control along with a marked pedestrian crossing at the intersection – the plan among elected leaders was to go with a traffic signal.
Council approved the creation of Capital Improvement Project to help with funding at the Oct. 14 meeting.
This was followed by the project’s design and installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of River Islands Parkway and Oberlin Avenue.
In accordance with the directive, staff solicited a proposal from Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc. to provide the professional design services.
The project with plans and specifications for construction was advised in May, with the bids being received and opened prior to the June meeting.
